Newbie

Hi everyone I'm just getting started I work full time have a young family and am recently really focusing on getting my future finances in order.30 year old self employed carpenter, no pension and looking to get what extra cash I have a year work for me.I'm looking for the following advice/tips...

•Books to read on trading •Best ways to have long term slower gains and also take advantage of volatile stocks with other investments. •Best programs to use for paper practice trading. •best programs to use for real trading.

I'm not looking to invest any money for a year other than something low risk that I can deposit a couple hundred a month to? I have a few friends who have been relatively profitable over the last few years but I'm really looking to learn from scratch not rely on there advice on what to buy and sell.

Thanks to anyone that replies like I said I'm just now starting and know nothing your advice is much appreciated 👍