The broker and brokerage firm are the two primary relationships you will have when you begin your journey to investing, whether it's a stock broker, commodities broker, future broker, bond broker, or an all purpose brokerage firm. This broker guide for new investors explains some of the things you need to look for when selecting a brokerage firm, fees to avoid, an explanation of asset management accounts, and more.
The first step to building your portfolio is to open a brokerage account. These accounts allow you to purchase stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investments by paying professionals to buy or sell the items you tell them to. The fee you pay them is called a "commission", and can range from as low as $5 to $10 dollars, to upwards of several hundred dollars. Continue reading ...