Almost anyone can open an IRA or a Roth IRA. Fidelity, Scottrade, TRowe Price, Schwab and many others charge nothing to pen one. You can invest in many funds at no extra charge, as little as $250 is adequate to start.
I invested in an IRA the month they were introduced, and I have never regretted it. Unless you are very rich, a Roth IRA is an even better deal.