Open Your First Investment Account

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90 minutes

5 steps

·Beginner

After 90 min: Start investing with $100+ in your first brokerage account

What you need

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The 90-Minute Plan

Choose Your Broker0–15 min

Compare Fidelity, Vanguard, Charles Schwab. Look for low fees, no minimums, and mobile apps.

Visit the broker's website. Create an account with email and password. Verify your identity.

Link Your Bank35–55 min

Add your bank account to fund the brokerage. Verify with micro-deposits (usually 1-2 business days).

Deposit Your First $10055–75 min

Transfer $100-500 from your bank. Wait for the funds to settle (usually 2-3 business days).

Buy Your First Index Fund75–90 min

Search for 'VTI' or 'VTSAX' (total stock market index). Buy $100 worth. Review your first position.

Pro Tip

Index funds are beginner-friendly. They track the whole market, reducing risk.

90 min·5 steps

FinanceBeginner

After 90 min: Know how stocks work and why people invest

2,800

see the plan

90 min·5 steps

FinanceIntermediate

After 90 min: You'll understand asset allocation and create a portfolio aligned with your timeline and risk.

9,800

see the plan

90 min·5 steps

FinanceBeginner

After 90 min: Create a realistic monthly budget and commit to it

5,400

see the plan

90 min·5 steps

FinanceBeginner

After 90 min: Launch your first side project and earn $100+ monthly

4,100

see the plan