Only 62% of American adults own stocks, and the rest may be missing out on million-dollar opportunities. What's even more heartbreaking is that the richest 1% hold 50% of the stock market wealth (about $23 trillion), while the poorest 50% of households combined hold only $48 billion, averaging less than $8,000 per household.

But this is not to belittle you. The key point is: the stock market is still the best way for ordinary people to beat inflation, with a historical average annual return of 10%.

**How to get started?** Don't wait until you have a lot of money to enter the market. Investing $300 a month in the S&P 500 index fund could accumulate to $1.1 million after 35 years. The key is to start, because compound interest is the greatest weapon. Even if you can only invest $50-100 a month, it's better than waiting. Time is your best friend— the earlier you start, the greater the wealth difference.