5 Simple Steps to Start Investing Online

Save a portion of your income and consistently pay your bills. This will position you best.

Depending on where you invest, you may need some money to open an account. For instance, Vanguard, a large investment management company, requires $1,000 to invest in its mutual funds. With as little as $20 (or less), you can buy individual stocks, though.

Online simulators like the one from Investopedia give you the chance to do a dry run. Remember that practice makes perfect.

In addition to learning from this practice, compare your performance to averages for index funds. For example, from 1928 to 2016, the S&P 500 had an average annualized total return of 9.8 percent.

You need your tax ID number or Social Security number, along with bank account information so you can send money to the account.

Additionally, most major investment management firms ask you to designate a beneficiary. Consider carefully who you’ll designate, and have their personal information on hand.

From individual stocks to exchange-traded funds to mutual funds, you have lots of options. Perhaps it’s best to heed Warren Buffett’s advice: “If you like spending six to eight hours per week working on investments, do it. If you don’t, then dollar-cost average into index funds.”

So, unless you’re ready be an active investor, researching and buying stocks you think will win, it’s advisable to invest in something like an S&P 500 index fund, which tracks the performance of the world’s largest companies.

From Fidelity to Ally, you have plenty of choices. Consider the sites and content that you like, as well as the level of support you need.

Also, consider the costs. Some online brokers just give you the bare-bones, with inexpensive fees. Others are more expensive but provide you with ample content, advice and data to make better investments.

Once you start investing, keep taking care of your personal finances and investment. Study along the way — and you’ll become a savvy investor with a growing portfolio.