Scottstrade is $7 per trade, that's the reason I use them, pretty much the cheapest in the business.

It's just my opinion, but I would wait until the middle of the upcoming recession before you invest, unless you really know what you are doing. I pulled out most of my investments until this happens. In the meantime, put your money in an ING account, linked to your checking account. 4.3% constant interest until you can find some deals in the bear market.

The Banking, and housing sectors will bring this economy into a recession. Book it.