u/Alarmed-Fault1536

>A couple of days ago, I posted about being new to investing and wanting to learn before putting my $500 to work. Thanks to everyone who shared advice.
I’m starting with the basics: understanding stocks, index funds, diversification, fees, and the difference between investing and short-term trading. I also want to make sure this is money I can afford to leave invested and that I keep emergency savings separate.
For those who started from scratch, what do you think is the most important concept to understand before making a first investment? Are there any beginner-friendly books, guides, or resources you’d recommend?
I’m not looking for a stock pick—I’d rather learn how to make informed decisions. Thanks!

I'm new to the stock market and don't know anything about it. I plan to invest $500 to practice, but I think I should learn the rules and basics first. Where should I start? I hope those of you who know about stocks can give me some advice. Thank you, everyone