How to Start Buying Stocks
Table of Contents
How to Start Buying Stocks
If you’re eager to grow your wealth and explore the world of investing, understanding how to start buying stocks is crucial. Investing in stocks can be a rewarding way to build your financial future. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps of buying stocks and introduce you to the 1000pip Builder Service, a valuable resource for beginner traders.

Step 1: Open a Brokerage Account
The first step in how to start buying stocks is to open a brokerage account. You can’t purchase stocks directly from stock exchanges, so you’ll need a brokerage to facilitate your trades. There are two main types of online brokerage accounts: full-service brokerages and discount brokerages. Many firms also offer user-friendly investment apps for your desktop or mobile devices, allowing you to buy stocks and monitor your investments easily.
Step 2: Decide What Stocks to Buy
Owning stock means you own a slice of a company, and with thousands of stocks available, choosing the right ones can be overwhelming. A good strategy is to buy what you know. Renowned money managers advised investors to start with companies they are familiar with and trust. If you already use their products or services, you may feel more comfortable owning those stocks.

Step 3: Decide How Many Shares to Buy
As you explore different stocks, it’s essential to have a clear strategy. Consider why you’re buying a particular stock and when you plan to sell it. This reasoning will help you determine how many shares to purchase.
Buying Strategies
You can opt to invest a lump sum—say, $3,000 in a company—or take advantage of fractional shares offered by some brokerages, allowing you to buy a portion of a share if the stock price is high.
Step 4: Choose Your Order Type
When you’re ready to buy, you need to select your order type.
Market Orders vs. Limit Orders
- Market Orders: This type of order purchases stocks at the best available price. It’s suitable for actively traded stocks where price discrepancies are minimal.
- Limit Orders: This allows you to set a specific price at which you want to buy. This can be beneficial for stocks that are less frequently traded.
Step 5: Place Your Order with the Brokerage
To execute your trade, navigate to the brokerage platform’s trade section. Enter the stock name or ticker symbol, the number of shares you want to buy, and the type of order. Before confirming, you’ll have a chance to review your order. For market orders, you’ll receive near-immediate confirmation, while limit orders will execute only if the market price reaches your set limit.
Step 6: Manage and Build Your Portfolio
Once you’ve made your investments, managing your portfolio is crucial for long-term success. Stick to your investment strategy, regularly review your reasons for buying stocks, and diversify your holdings. If you invest in dividend-paying stocks, consider reinvesting those dividends to increase your total return.