Making Cents: A Feeling of Power for 50 Bucks

What can a novice investor do with just $50? One option is to buy part of a company like Wisconsin Energy Corp., a utility yielding 5.5% that allows investors to make direct purchases of just $50 ([800] 558-9663) without a commission. Such offerings are also available at Exxon, Sony and Wal-Mart ($250 minimums each). Charles Carlson, editor of No-Load Stock Insider ([219] 852-3230), publishes a full list.