How do you get started buying stocks?

The first step to get started buying stocks is to open a brokerage account. Options include a full-service brokerage, where a broker expert assists in stock investing and account management, or a discount brokerage, where the investor facilitates investing more independently, according to Nasdaq.

Minimum deposits to open accounts vary, but $1,000 is the lowest typical deposit for a discount brokerage, while $50,000 is more typical for a full-service firm as of 2014, according to Nasdaq. While full-service brokers do offer expertise and more advanced research tools, according to The Wall Street Journal, investing fees are typically much lower with a self-managed discount account.