Look for "commission-free trades" (so you aren't charged a fee every time you buy) and no account minimums.

Only buys the stock if it hits a specific price you set.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you buy your very first stock. 1. Set Your Investing Goals

You don't have to buy a "full" share anymore. Many brokers offer . If a stock costs $1,000 but you only have $50, you can buy 5% of a share.

If you decide to buy individual stocks, start with what you know. Look at the products you use every day.

Look at their (Price-to-Earnings) to see if the stock is "expensive" compared to its peers.

Read recent news to ensure there aren't major scandals or declining sales. 5. Decide How Much to Invest