| The only thing that is required is money and a | | | | should understand all the details before opening your |
| qualified broker to begin investing. Access to a broker | | | | account. |
| was not always as commonplace as it is today. | | | | Commission and Fees |
| Today though nearly anyone can open a brokerage | | | | The way that many brokerage firms work is based |
| account and begin to make trades. There are some | | | | on commissions. Each time one of your trades is |
| simple steps and considerations that can prepare you | | | | executed a commission is charged. There are |
| to place your first trade. | | | | significant differences between the commissions that |
| Broker | | | | are charged by various brokerage firms. Different |
| You will need to select a brokerage company. This is | | | | types of trades executed through the same broker |
| the company that your account will be with. They will | | | | may result in different commission charges too. This |
| be who actually places your trades on the market as | | | | makes researching the charges for the specific types |
| well. It is a requirement to invest money in stocks, | | | | of trades you place an important part of choosing a |
| but there are some simple things to look for. | | | | broker. There may be other fees charged by the |
| You should choose a reputable brokerage company. | | | | broker as well. These may include monthly |
| If you have access to the internet you can do all the | | | | maintenance fees and others. |
| research that you will likely need to do online. Select | | | | Overview |
| a broker that allows you to connect with them in the | | | | Nearly anyone can invest money in stocks, but most |
| ways that you want. If you prefer to invest money | | | | people need a qualified broker to place the order. Not |
| in stocks over the telephone then be certain that | | | | all brokers are the same, as you read above. Some |
| your broker allows that. | | | | brokers and accounts only allow individuals to trade in |
| Funding Your Account | | | | specific stocks and funds. By understanding what |
| This is a major part of preparing to invest money in | | | | your account will enable you to do and what your |
| stocks. With most trades that you will execute you | | | | account will require from you, you can choose a |
| will need cash in your brokerage account. Each | | | | suitable account. That is the first step opening the |
| account may have different requirements. Some | | | | account. |
| accounts have a minimum opening balance. It is | | | | Once the account is open and funded the only thing |
| possible to find some with lower requirements if | | | | that likely remains is to choose the stock(s) that you |
| necessary. You should be aware of the other | | | | want to trade. You should realize that there is the |
| differences that may exist between the accounts as | | | | potential to lose money when trading stocks. A |
| well though. | | | | successful investment plan can also result in gains. |
| In addition to an opening balance, you should learn | | | | You can find additional information regarding how to |
| whether there is a minimum balance requirement. In | | | | choose stocks to invest in. The choices are yours, |
| some cases there may be fees attached to specific | | | | and the time to invest money in stocks can be now |
| requirements, such as balance requirements. You | | | | for nearly everyone. |