Once funded, you must decide what to buy. You can search for companies using their (e.g., AAPL for Apple or TSLA for Tesla).

Link a bank account to transfer money. Many brokers now have no minimum deposit to get started. 2. Choosing Your Stocks

Buying and selling stocks is the process of exchanging ownership in a public company for cash through a regulated marketplace. To participate, you must use a middleman—a stockbroker—who executes your orders on an exchange like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or Nasdaq. 1. Opening a Brokerage Account

Options range from full-service firms (like Charles Schwab ) to user-friendly apps (like Robinhood).

You will need your Social Security number, address, and employment details for tax and identity verification.