Equities

With so many options to choose from, investing in equities (aka stocks) could feel a little overwhelming at first, but it's quite simple. Once you've educated yourself on the basics of investing, you'll need to open a brokerage account (or if you want more hands-on investment advice from an advisor, look into an advisory account). Many beginners invest in mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which can help create a diversified portfolio and are relatively easy to access a range of options without having to buy and manage individual stocks.

Want more info? Try our guide on investing for beginners.

While equities can be a good way to help grow your invested dollars over time, they can also be one of the riskiest types of assets. But the truth is, all investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal up to the full value of your investment, and no investment strategy can guarantee gains or protect against loss. Find out more about common investing risks and how to manage them. Speaking to a financial advisor can also be helpful. Get matched with one today.

It's difficult to determine. What you might consider to be safe, might be considered risky by someone else. What everyone can agree on is that no equity investment is entirely risk-free. However, there are ways that you can help reduce your risk. Blue-chip stocks meaning well-established, financially stable companies with a long history of reliable performance, are often considered safer. Also, investing in mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are an easy way to spread your investments across asset classes, different sectors, industries, and geographies.

Our guide will show you the best way to invest money.

The minimum investment amount can vary. In some cases, you can start investing with as little as a few dollars (like an ETF), while in other cases, it could range from a few dollars to several thousand dollars (like mutual funds). Some online brokerages offer fractional shares, letting you buy a portion of a share for a small amount of money. It's important to research and compare different investment options to find one that suits your financial goals and budget.

Learn how to start investing with our guide. Additionally, you can talk with a financial advisor to help you figure out which equities could be right for your goals.