Before you invest
- Emergency fund in place; high-interest debt under control.
- Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA) on track first.
- Decide your goal (long-term growth, house down payment, etc.) and time horizon.
Open the account
- Choose a low-cost brokerage; consider index funds or ETFs.
- Open a taxable brokerage account (or 529 if saving for education).
- Link your bank account for transfers.
Invest and maintain
- Set up automatic investments if you're adding regularly.
- Diversify; avoid putting everything in one stock.
- Keep a long-term mindset; don't panic-sell in downturns.