Step one is an emergency fund, even a small one, so a surprise expense does not force you to sell. Step two is choosing a brokerage and funding an account; most have no minimums and low-cost index funds.
Step three is your first purchase: a broad stock index fund or ETF that diversifies across hundreds of companies in one trade. Step four is automation, a recurring transfer on payday turns saving into a habit.
Step five is the long game: ignore the daily noise, reinvest dividends, and add to positions on a schedule. You do not need to be right about any single stock, just consistent over time.
Key takeaways
- Emergency savings come before investing
- A broad index fund is a fine first purchase
- Automation turns good intentions into habits
