Some insist that the stock market (much like the real estate market, lately) isn't a place where the average Joe can make a safe investment. They speculate that online stock trading is risky and may be an unwise financial endeavor. Recent news, however (such as Google's unexpected stock surge of thirty percent) proves that the stock market can't be dismissed as an unsound investment opportunity.

So how does the average Joe go about investing in the stock market? It's not like you can call a broker and tell him you want one or two shares of Google stock (unless, of course, you like being laughed at). Fortunately, online stock trading websites have somewhat leveled the playing field by allowing entry-level investors to invest small amounts with minimal expense.

Websites like Sharebuilder even offer investors the ability to buy fractional shares of stock. If you can't afford Google's hefty five-hundred-plus-dollars-per-share price, buy half or even quarter of a share using Sharebuilder's investment program. Sharebuilder's costs, however, do add up, which is probably why StarReviews.com rated Zecco as their top online stock trading website pick. They are one of the only online websites to offer $0 trades.

There's no doubt about it - online stock trading is one of the easiest, most convenient and cost-effective, methods of investing in the stock market. With the stock market soaring (for now) it looks like consumers may once again becoming comfortable with putting their dollars into the market.