Investing in the stock market is one of the most effective ways to build wealth over time -- and you don't need a lot of money to get started. The key is understanding a few foundational concepts, making a plan, and starting as early as possible. One important distinction before diving in: investment accounts are separate from savings or emergency funds. Your savings should cover short-term needs and unexpected expenses. Investments are for long-term goals, like retirement. Step 1: Figure Out Your Risk Tolerance and Goals Before you buy a single share, you need to know what you're investing for and how much risk you're comfortable taking on. Define your goals. Are you investing for retirement, real estate, income, or long-term growth? Your goal determines your timeline -- and your timeline determines how much risk makes sense. Understand risk tolerance. Risk tolerance is how much of a loss you're willing to absorb in exchange for the potential of higher returns. The stock market is...