Once you pick a stock (e.g., NVIDIA or Apple), you must choose an order type:

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

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

Does the company have a unique advantage (like a strong brand or patent) that prevents competitors from stealing its market share?

Always start with a Cash Account . A Margin Account allows you to borrow money from the broker to buy more shares, which can lead to losses greater than your initial investment. 3. How to Review a Stock Properly