Introduction
Shares are the best investment available over a long period of time. The growth of share prices comfortably out-paces inflation most years because the best share prices represent the growth in earnings of the best companies. Although the stock market is seen as "high risk" this depends very much on timing and the sort of shares you invest in. It is possible to invest in shares with very little risk if you are willing to put in a great deal of effort in learning the art of investment and doing ample research.

Shares have acquired a high-risk reputation because the majority of people only participate in the stock market during bull markets, buying at or near historic high prices in the belief that past returns may by a good indicator of future results. Those that buy just before a crash do not appreciate share valuations and upside potential vs downside risk. In fact such considerations actually bore them and many newcomers choose to trade shares in a highly speculative fashion, making the stock market into little more than a casino.

The rewards are great, but the penalty for laziness is also great. Those that buy on "hot tips" and rely on the opinions of others, without any knowledge of what they are doing are often those who suffer the greatest loss.

A "share" is nothing more, and nothing less than a partial ownership of a business. If you look at shares investment as the partial purchase of businesses, you are already half way to becoming a successful investor (the other half is to get some idea of what a business is worth, economically, and hence to be able to value a share). If you think of shares as part ownership of businesses you have a substantial advantage over those who think of them only as abstract pieces of paper with a randomly fluctuating price tag.

Direct share investment is not suitable for everyone, many simply do not have the time or the inclination to research a portfolio adequately, and will be exposed to the greatest dangers when they do take the plunge and buy something. Managed funds are available that give returns roughly in line with market averages (if you take into account tax and trading expenses) and these are by far a superior investment for those that do not wish to make investment their profession.

Shares, as a whole, are not highly speculative investments with a low probability of success. The chances of making money in shares over all but the shortest time frames are excellent, however you need more than just money and a desire to succeed in order to invest successfully.

No one should be afraid of the stock market, it does not crash without reason at any random time. If you choose to ignore stocks out of fear of a market downturn, you ignore the best investment that there is.