Are your IRAs and 401ks maxed out? That's your best start.
After that, you can go for low cost index funds, like VOO, VTI, VB, VO, or their Schwab equivalents.
Or, you can invest in individual companies that are of interest that aren't just gambling. Think energy, healthcare, and consumer staples. A consumer staple is like PG, KO, KMB, GIS, UL, CHD, KRFT, etc. Anything that is used in most people's daily lives is a staple, so to speak. Those 3 groups are considered "defensive" stocks, that don't turn down as much as the rest of the market and are quicker to recover. Plus they generally pay dividends which help offset any downturns. Energy is cheap right now because the cost of oil is depressed. Think XOM, CVX, COP, BP, TOT, RDS.B, etc. Healthcare is like JNJ, BDX, PFE, BMS, GSK, etc.
In fairness, I own PG, KO, KMB, GIS, UL, CHD, XOM, CVX, COP, BP, JNJ and BDX of the ones I listed.
Keep in mind you'll pay taxes on any divs outside of retirement accounts. You can also open an account at like computershare.com and buy in small increments, as little as $10 per transaction, with sometimes $0 fees.