🚀 How to Start Investing as a Teen🚀

You don’t need to be a Wall Street bro to start building wealth and you don’t need to be 30. You just need Wi-Fi, curiosity, and a little consistency. Let’s us break it down it down for you.

🧠 1. Learn the Basics (Seriously, Do This First)

You wouldn’t play a game without knowing the rules — investing is the same.
Start by learning the big terms:

Stock = ownership in a company

Bond = loan to a company/government

ETF/Mutual Fund = a mix of investments

Risk = chance of losing money

Diversification = don’t bet everything on one stock

📺 Watch short videos. 🎧 Listen to money podcasts. 🧾

Why it matters: You make smarter moves when you know what your money’s doing.

🎯 2. Set a Goal for Your Investments

Investing without a goal is like driving without a destination.
Ask yourself

  • Are you saving for college?

  • A first car?

  • Or building wealth for the future?

Your goal affects:

  • How risky your investments should be

  • How long you keep your money invested

  • How much you should put in

Example: Saving for college in 3 years = lower risk. Saving for retirement = more time to take risks.

👨‍👩‍👦 3. Open a Custodial Account (With a Parent)

If you’re under 18, you’ll need a parent or guardian to help.
Look for a custodial brokerage account — they’re made for teens.

✅ What to look for:

  • No fees

  • No account minimums

  • Ability to buy fractional shares (you don’t need $300 for one share of Apple)

Popular options: Fidelity Youth, Charles Schwab, Greenlight.

Why it matters: This is the account where your investments live. Choose one that makes starting easy.

📈 4.  Start Small and Choose Investments Wisely

You don’t need a ton of cash. Even $5 or $10 can get you started.

Here’s how:

  • Pick brands you know (Nike, Apple, Chipotle — if you love it, you’ll care more about learning it)

  • Try ETFs or Index Funds — they spread your money across many companies at once, lowering your risk

  • Don’t chase hype — invest in things that make sense to you

Why it matters: It’s not about making big money fast. It’s about building smart habits now.

⏳ 5. Think Long-Term. Be Patient.

Real investing is boring — and that’s a good thing.

  • Use a strategy called “buy and hold” — invest regularly and leave it alone

  • Don’t panic if the market drops — that’s normal

  • The longer your money stays in, the more it grows (thanks to compound interest)

Example: $25/month starting at age 15 can turn into $50,000+ by age 40 — even with average returns.

Why it matters: Time grows your money more than timing.

🎮 Bonus: Try a Practice Portfolio First

Not ready to use real money yet? Practice for free.

Use stock market simulators to:

  • Track fake investments

  • Build confidence

  • See how decisions affect your “returns”

    Our suggestion: TD Bank Stock Market Simulation