I Want to Start Buying Stocks—But Where Do I Start? (2024)

In order to buy stocks, you need the assistance of a stockbroker who is licensed to purchase securities on your behalf. However, before you make a decision on a stockbroker, you need to figure out what type of stockbroker is right for you.

There are four basic categories of stockbrokers available today, ranging from cheap, simple order-takers to the more expensive brokers who provide full-service, in-depth financial analysis, advice, and recommendations: online/discount brokers, discount brokers with assistance, full-service brokers or money managers.

Online/Discount Brokers

Online/discount brokers are basically just order-takers and provide the least expensive way to start investing since there is typically no office to visit and no certified financial planners or advisors to assist you. The only interaction with an online broker is over the phone or via the Internet. Cost is usually based on a per-transaction or per-share basis, allowing you to open an account with relatively little money. An account with an online broker allows you to buy and sell stocks/options instantly with just a few clicks.

Since these types of brokers provide absolutely no investment advice, stock tips or any type of investment recommendations, you're on your own. You'll get technical support for the online trading system. Also online brokers typically offer investment-related website links, research, and resources, but these may be third-party providers. If you feel you are knowledgeable enough to take on the responsibilities of directing your own investments, or if you want to learn how to invest without making a large financial commitment, this is the way to go.

Discount Brokers with Assistance

Discount brokers with assistance are basically the same as online brokers, with the difference being that they're likely to charge a very small account fee to pay for the extra assistance. This assistance, however, is usually nothing more than just providing a bit more information and resources to help you with your investing.

Discount brokers can be the same companies as your basic online/discount brokers that offer upgradeable accounts or services. However, they stop short of giving you any sort of investment advice or recommendations. For example, they may offer more in-house research and reports or publish investment newsletters with investment tips.

Full-Service Brokers

Full-service brokers are the traditional stockbrokers who take the time to sit down with you and know you both personally and financially. They look at factors such as marital status, lifestyle, personality, risk tolerance, age (time horizon), income, assets, debts and more.

Full-service brokers then work with you to develop a financial plan best suited to your investment goals and objectives. They can also assist with estate planning, tax advice, retirement planning, budgeting and any other type of financial advice, hence the term "full service." They can help you manage all of your financial needs now and for the rest of your life, if need be.

These types of brokers are for those who want everything in one package. In terms of fees, they are more expensive than discount brokers, but the value in having a professional financial advisor by your side can be well worth the additional costs—accounts usually can be set up with as little as $1,000.

Money Managers

Money managers are somewhat like financial advisors but may take full discretion over a client's account (hence the term "manager"). These highly skilled investment professionals usually handle very large portfolios of money, and, thus, charge management fees (that can be quite large) based on the assets under management and not per transaction.

Money managers are basically for those with substantial incomes who would rather pay someone to fully manage their investments while they're doing the jobs that make the money. Minimum account holdings can range from $100,000 to $250,000 or more and may charge upwards of 1% a year of assets under management.

Roboadvisors

Roboadvisorsare digital asset managers that cater to those who want to just set-it-and-forget-it. These algorithmic platforms are low-cost, require low minimum balances and will automatically maintain an optimal portfolio for you, typically based on passive index investing strategies. For instance the typical fee for roboadvisors is currently around 0.25% per year of assets under management, and you can start with literally $1 or $5 with several platforms.

Roboadvisors vary in their offerings. Some are completely automated, while others offer access to human assistance as well. Regardless of the model, they all provide customer service to assist you through the process. The robo-advisory has been around for a few years, but it's still growing.

The new entrants into the landscape benefit the consumer by lowering fees while contributing many paths to professional asset management. As with any life choice, you should figure out what type of investment guidance is needed and select a roboadvisor or financial professional to suit your individual goals, risk preferences, and investment style.

Test Strategies Before Buying Real Stocks

For those keen to learn what stock trading is all about without spending hundreds or thousands of dollars, you can sign up for a free Investopedia Simulator account.

Once you have determined how stock trading works and what is most important to you in a broker, you can take the next step. Each broker's pricing, features, and platforms are different, so this step can be intimidating. If you have a difficult time choosing a broker, research the best online brokers or best discount brokers.

What Do the Experts Have to Say?