Honestly, I'd advise investing in a mutual fund or IRA and having plans of LEAVING it....Because later, when it'll be time for retirement, you'll be glad you did.
Also, as stated above, land will ALWAYS be of value....The stock market may crash, but land will always be there....remember that.
If you want to invest in "stocks", I'd advise some of the larger, more stable ones....Coca-Cola, Wal-Mart, etc...they may not make you rich overnight, but they have a history of growth, or they wouldn't be where they are today...
If you're looking for a quick dollar, then its gonna be a gamble. I'd adivse some serious research before you invest....look at their 3 year history, forecasts, etc....If you get lucky and catch a trend in its beginning, you could make $$$...but good luck with that lol
IMHO, a savings account isn't a bad idea...Its not gonna earn more than a small percentage a year, but its SURE money, that is a bit more easily attainable in the case of an emergency...
just my useless .02
-Will