A stock is a part you can own of a business without having to build the business or even work there.  The part is called a share and it holds monetary value.  To own stock in a company you must pay for it.  The more you spend the more shares you get. The more shares of that stock that you own, the higher will be your monetary value.  Not only can it be financially rewarding but you actually have a percentage of ownership in the company.  How much ownership you have is determined by the amount of stock you own.

The most common form of stock is called, appropriately, common stock.  It is common because there are no restrictions meaning anyone can own it.  Common stock actually represents a share of ownership in a company.  By owning stock, anyone can create income and be part owner of a business.

As more share holders come on board, bringing their cash with them, the company acquires more assets.  As the assets increase and the amount of cash generated increases, the value of the business increases.  This increase in value of the business drives up the value of the stock.  That means a return on investment for those who have already bought, and a higher per share price for those about to buy.

Along with a share in the money comes a share in the responsibility.  With each share comes one vote to elect the board of directors.  The board decides how the money made by the company is spent.  

Sounds good so far, right?  Don't forget, though, that as is the case with almost everything, there is some risk involved.  Shareholders also share the risk of operating any business.  If the value of the business goes down, so does the value in your stock.  So shop stocks responsibly and donТt invest more than you can afford to lose.