TIPS & TERMS

----Thinking about dabbling in the stock market? Or perhaps some other form of investment? For those who are looking to invest, maybe not even for the first time, now is an especially uncertain time. The following are some insights offered by local brokers.

Although the economy is nearing a recession, the stock market is Julie Baileylthough the economy is nearing a recession, the stock market is risky and other world political situations can make it nerve-racking to even open a newspaper in the morning, now might not be a bad time to begin investing in stocks and bonds, some experts say.

Area investment brokers suggest that first-time investors spend their money on something solid, like stocks in ''blue-chip'' companies such as American Telephone and Telegraph Co. and General Electric, or government securities, such as U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds.

Edward D. Jones, an investment broker at Clarkston, said Idaho residents can invest, for example, in a 30-year bond for the Tennessee Valley Authority utility, and net 9 percent interest without state tax. Idaho municipal bonds also are tax-free.

Both investments are usually $15,000 to $20,000, but municipal bonds may be bought in multiples of $5,000.

For those who don't have that kind of money lying around to invest, blue chip common stock mutual funds are another way to go. As little as $250 can get a person started, and they can add to the fund in $50 installments.

''It's a good place to start,'' Jones said. The mutual fund immediately diversifies the investment into 100 or more stock holdings in companies.

The trick to making money in mutual funds is leaving the money in long enough to make a difference.

''Where people get hurt with mutual funds is when they take it out too soon,'' Jones said. Often, people will take the money out within a year or two. He recommends at least a five-year investment period.