If your new to the world of investing, it can seem a little daunting at first. And choosing an online broker can be overwhelming, but with a few guidelines to help you navigate through most of the basics, you'll be ok.
Because you're not going to be trading stocks daily your criteria for choosing an online broker is a little different. Although some of the basics still apply, things like commissions and fees may be different for you.
For new investors, you really don't need a complex full–featured stock trading platform in the beginning. You do want a platform that gives you access to educational resources that will help you along the way, and great customer support. You already know what types of stocks you want to buy, and why you want to buy them. We're buying Dividend Growth Stocks.
A simple–to–use investing experience and commission–free trading are essentials for beginners and long–term investors. There are basically two main types of stock brokers; Discount and Full– Service.
Here's a list of online brokers that cover a variety of needs, plus some tips on what you should know before opening a brokerage account for the first time.