what steps do i have to take to get into the stock market.

Do your research, find good investing book, and talk to a financial advisor.

Hi Jean,

First, congrats on being proactive about investing. You're already way ahead of your peers, whether you realize it or not.

Answering this question requires a bit more background on what you mean when you say "get into".

If you mean "how do I learn which individual stocks/trends/crazy charts/complex equations are going to make me a millionaire?", then I'm afraid I have bad news: no one can accurately answer that. I'm not saying people can't make money investing in individual stocks (look at Warren Buffet, George Soros, etc.), but, according to this SPIVA study, about 85% of active fund managers, who are paid 6-figure salaries and charge crazy fees to manage investments, can't beat the returns of the S&P 500 index.

If, however, you mean, "how do I start investing in the stock market?", I can definitely help answer that...

While I'm not a personal financial advisor by trade, I can provide a few suggestions that should provide a strong foundation for your personal finances.

Disclaimer about credit card debt: If you have credit card debt, this MUST go before you start investing. I'm not talking about student debt or other debt, but true CC debt. The interest and fees you will pay on this will completely eclipse any earnings from the stock market. If you have CC debt, you are not ready to invest and paying it off should be your #1 priority.

With that out of the way, getting into the stock market looks something like this:

1. First, you will need to figure out an investment strategy that works for you. Typically, younger investors tend to have riskier investment portfolios (i.e. a higher ratio of equity, like stocks, to debt, like bonds). This portfolio shifts as you get older and want to see fewer fluctuations in your investment performance (i.e., a portfolio that reacts less to changes in the market). That being said, everyone's risk profile is different. Do what is right for you!
2. Once you've figured out how you want to invest, you have to find an investment management company. My favorite is Vanguard, as they pretty much invented low-fee investing. That said, other options, like Fidelity are totally acceptable. The trick to finding the right place, in my opinion, is finding the company with the lowest fees.
3. Figure out which investment vehicles you want to use. For a young investor, there are a number of accounts that provide great benefits. For example, retirement accounts like an IRA, Roth IRA, or 401K are awesome options. You can even invest your health savings account (HSA) funds over a certain amount. If you have the money, I would highly recommend opening an IRA or Roth IRA now. As for the others, 401Ks and HSAs are often offered as part of employer benefit plans and may not be worth opening until you have access to them through your future employer. If you're looking for a completely unrestricted investment account (i.e., you can withdraw your funds before retirement, without penalty), you want a general brokerage account.
4. Find the ETF/mutual funds that fit your investment strategy and submit some trades! Again, always look at the fees. You can have amazing returns, but what is the point if they are eroded by the fund's management fees. Note that, starting out, due to the cost of mutual fund shares, you will probably not have the money to invest in a mutual fund right away. ETFs allow you to have a fractional share in a portfolio and are a great option until you have amassed the money necessary to enter into a comparable mutual fund.
5. Sit back, keep investing, and watch your money grow - long term. You will not always see your money grow immediately or even over a year, two years, etc. That said, it will happen! If you don't believe me, believe this article from CNBC. You will probably have many moments of panic watching returns go into the red. Don't pull your money out in a frenzy. These dips in the market should register as an ad for "STOCKS ON SALE". Do your research, stay strong, and stick to your investment strategy.

I have only scratched the surface here and I recommend doing more research before you commit to putting any money in the stock market. For your reference, I have listed a few good blogs that cover this stuff well. That said, much like using Wikipedia as a starting point for a scholarly article, I suggest thinking of these blogs, helpful as they are, the same way:

• https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/
• https://www.moneyunder30.com/
• https://mymoneywizard.com/

I hope this gave you the answers you needed and I wish you the best of luck in your investing.

- Grant

Grant has done an excellent job at replaying. Very on spot!

I would add two recommended reads: Millionaire Teacher and The Wealthy Barber.

As for buying stocks I use Questrade.

Do you mean "work at the stock exchange" or for an investment firm? If so, I would encourage you to research good schools with a Finance program as well as employers in your area that are in the industry such as banks, investment firms, etc. If you can find the organization on LinkedIn then see if you have any connections, if not go out on a limb and reachout to someone and see if you can shadow them. Seems a bit awkward but you would be surprised on who is will to help a young and eager mind. They may be able to give you good advice too. Hope that helps!