It takes money to make money. However, you don't need a lot to get started. Many top-notch dividend stocks have share prices below $100 right now. That's worth noting, given the powerful returns that dividend stocks have produced over the long term.

However, just because a famous investor owns a stock doesn't mean you should buy it. That said, Coca-Cola does indeed look like it's worth buying right now. Here's why.

So you've got $1,000 (or $10,000 or $50,000) burning a hole in your pocket -- and you want to invest in some growth stocks. Great! Remember that it's best to spread your dollars across a bunch, so as not to have too many eggs in any one basket.

Compiled and published by Fortune Magazine, the Fortune 500 is an annual list that ranks the biggest US companies by revenue.