Best for most people. They offer $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs. Popular choices include Fidelity , Charles Schwab , and Vanguard .

Many modern brokers let you buy a "slice" of a share for as little as $1 to $5 if the full share price is too high. Expert Perspectives

Tax-advantaged. A Roth IRA allows your investments to grow tax-free, but you generally cannot withdraw earnings before age 59½ without penalties.

You cannot buy stocks directly from a company like you buy groceries; you need a to act as the middleman.

Flexible; you can withdraw money anytime. You pay taxes on capital gains and dividends annually.

Sets a maximum price you are willing to pay. The trade only happens if the stock hits that price.

If you want regular income, look for companies with a history of increasing their payouts. 4. Placing the Order