Where Can You Start Investing?

 



Getting started with investing is easier than ever—you don’t need a finance degree or thousands of dollars to begin. With just a few taps on your phone, you can open an account, buy your first investment, and start building wealth in minutes. The hardest part isn’t investing itself—it’s taking that first step! 

So how can you get started investing?

1. Identify a Brokerage Platform

Before you start investing, you need a brokerage account to buy and sell investments. Look for a platform that suits your needs in terms of:

  • Low fees – Avoid high brokerage costs that eat into returns.
  • User-friendly interface – Especially important for beginners.
  • Investment options – Ensure it offers ETFs, shares, and access to international markets.
  • Mobile access – Investing from your phone makes it more convenient.

For those living in Australia (like us) these are some of the most popular brokers:

  • CommSec (linked to Commonwealth Bank)
  • SelfWealth (Flat brokerage fees, great for beginners)
  • Pearler (Built for long-term investing, automates ETF purchases)
  • Stake (Best for U.S. stocks and ETFs)
  • Raiz & Spaceship (Micro-investing apps for easy entry)
  • Superhero (low brokerage fees, access to US markets) 

2. Create an Account

Once you’ve chosen your platform, you’ll need to sign up and verify your identity. The process usually takes 10-15 minutes and requires:

  • Personal details (Full name, date of birth, address)
  • A form of ID (Driver’s license or passport)
  • Tax File Number (TFN) (Not always required but helps with tax reporting)

Most platforms will approve your account within a day, though some may take longer.

3. Deposit Money into Your Account

Now that your account is set up, it’s time to fund it!

  • Transfer money from your bank account to your brokerage account (this can take a few minutes to a few days, depending on the platform).
  • Start with an amount you’re comfortable with—even as little as $50-$100 if your platform allows fractional investing.
  • Set up auto-deposits if you want to consistently invest over time.

4. Choose an Investment (ETFs Are a Great Start for Beginners)

Now comes the exciting part—choosing what to invest in! If you’re new to investing, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) are one of the safest and simplest options.

Need an ETF recap? An ETF is a basket of stocks bundled together, giving you instant diversification. Instead of buying individual shares (which can be risky), ETFs let you invest in entire markets, industries, or strategies.

We will dive more in depth on what some of the current ETF's available in the next installment of Money Tips & Insights.  

Once you’ve selected your investment, simply search for the ETF in your brokerage app, enter the amount you want to invest, and confirm your purchase! 

And just like that you've started investing! Its as easy as that. 

The best time to start investing was yesterday. The second-best time is today! With just a few simple steps, you can set yourself up for long-term financial success. 

**A reminder that this is not personal financial advice**

Looking for more tips to master your money? Find Out More 👉 @theyoungdollardiary for weekly insights and inspiration!

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