How old can you start a stock or invest?

Question

Ok I've been asking my mom lots of questions about investing. So one day she said that I can get stocks somehow because she knows a parent who gave their child an account with stocks and that stuff. Well she didn't answer my question one day so...

Answer 1

Your mom could open an account for a minor for you, but she, or another authorized adult, would have to make the trades. Since you don't specify your age, I can't comment on what's appropriate and that's a question for your parents in any case.

One thing you can do on your own is to create a protfolio on Yahoo and see how you do with your stock picks. There wouldn't be any money involved so you wouldn't make any money, but you wouldn't lose any either. And it would be a good start to learning.

Answer 2

well from my experience i think you can start investing at age 18 or older and be a U.S. citizen, since i live in California, i don't know whether other countries are allowed, but they can in their home land. if you are a U.S. citizen you can apply online for one of the many online sites like e*trade, scottrade, ameritrade,  and many others but they will require a minimum of $2,000  to start as i once checked. good luck.

Answer 3

In the United States you must be 18 years old to open an account with brokerage firm.  One of you parents could open a custodian account for you using your social security number.

Your parent would be responsible for managing this account and when you turn 18, whatever is in the account can be moved to an account in your name.

There are minors with stock in their name, usually given to them by unknowing (and uncaring) adults, but these positions can become problems for the minor since they can do nothing with them (legally).

If you're going to invest, learn to play by the rules.