I see it as a hobby and a way to save money. I don't see how people can't see this. Buying safe, blue chip, dividend-paying stocks is so simple even a caveman can do it. If you read the news regularly and keep track of trends and how people are spending, you can make money in the market without being a professional. I am a perfect example. I have a degree, but it's far from finance. For example, if someone who has even half a clue started buying Apple, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft about ten years ago, they've done WELL. It doesn't take a genius or a master's in finance from NYU to see that those are winners. And see my post above (#477). You want to bet against my picks?