Understanding the Age Requirements for Stock Market Investments

min read
Top view of a man sitting on a couch looking at stocks on laptop.
BetMGM Jun 15, 2023, 2:40 AM

The financial industry and investment options can be daunting for many people, especially because of the jargon and lingo that appears to be understood by a select few. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re looking to diversify your portfolio or are perhaps exploring different options to invest your winnings from playing online casino games, it can be done with a bit of guidance and some tips from those in the know.

It’s no secret that countless people around the world have considered investing in stocks, including the younger generations, but not all of them have followed through. That is because there is an age requirement for stock market investments, which exists as a precautionary measure and to ensure that the person trading is fit to make such big financial decisions by themselves.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Buy Stocks?

Brokerages and online trading and investment platforms typically require you to be aged 18 and over to buy stocks. While people below that age aren’t permitted to create their own accounts, in some cases, their guardian or parent may represent them. Platforms offer this option to allow minors to get a glimpse into the world of investing in the stock market so that they’re not entirely surprised once they can buy stocks in their own capacity.

This can also be a good way to teach young people about the fundamentals of buying stocks and handling finances in general. The sooner kids learn about money and grasp key concepts, the more likely they are to make good investment decisions in their lifetime.

How To Start Investing in the Stock Market

No matter how old, to trade stocks can be confusing when you’re still starting out. You need to start by deciding what type of investment you want to trade, with the most prominent options being government bonds, stocks, options or exchange-traded funds (ETFs.) However, it’s not something that you can do directly; you need to have a middleman in the form of a stockbroker or a website (trading platform.) After creating an account on your preferred trading platform and depositing funds, you’re all set.

Prior to actually starting with your stock market investments, it’s always recommended to do the necessary research into the listed companies, understand trading strategies and possibly even look at the market’s performance in past years. In this regard, you could say that there are some parallels between stock trading and gambling; both need you to be well informed, well prepared and not make hasty decisions.

How To Choose a Brokerage

Choosing a brokerage is a very important part of starting with stock market investing. Many will pursue you and offer their services to you, but like any financial decision, you need to use your discretion and choose a brokerage with a good track record. Research your options and look at reviews to determine which brokerages are top-rated. This will guide your decision-making so that you only narrow your options down to credible brokerages before making your final pick.

Other important aspects to be mindful of are brokerage fees, accessibility, minimum balance and tools. Access to educational tools and resources is ideal for novices.

Tips for Young Stock Market Investors

If you’re a young investor looking to start out in stocks and trading, here are a few tips.

Do the Necessary Research

The stock market is dynamic, so it’s important to stay up to date with developments to guide your decisions. With the right knowledge, you can gain the upper hand. It’s crucial to also explore strategies and never stop learning.

Invest in What You Understand

There are various industries and companies that you can invest in. However, you shouldn’t get overwhelmed or blindsided. To ensure this, only invest in what you understand.

Diversify Your Portfolio

It’s never a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket because if you only have one type of investment, the risk is higher. Having a varied and diverse portfolio is one of the most common ways to mitigate risk when investing.

Be Mindful of Market Conditions

The stock market performance is reflective of external factors, too. Political, social and economic factors can have an impact on the stock market, which is why you need to be in the know-how at all times and position your investments accordingly.

Seek Advice

Novice and experienced stock market investors can always benefit from being advised by industry experts. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and tips from successful investors who have a better comprehension of it all.

Invest Your Time in Licensed Online Casinos

Any time you play casino games live or online, you could find yourself walking away with a considerable amount of money. While stock investments can also be appealing because of the potential for financial gain, both come with their own pros and cons. Having an in-depth understanding of both options is a good place to start if you’re looking to pursue them. It’s also vital to set a budget and do the necessary number-crunching to avoid addiction or losing your money. If you’re ready to try your hand at online slots and several other engaging casino games, register at BetMGM to start playing.

Actress Vanessa Hudgens flipping casino chips next to the text "The King of Casinos"
About the Author

BetMGM

Read More

Our BetMGM editors and authors are sports experts with a wealth of knowledge of the sports industry at all levels. Their coverage includes sports news, previews and predictions, fun facts, and betting.

Our BetMGM editors and authors are sports experts with a wealth of knowledge of the sports industry at all levels. Their coverage includes sports news, previews and predictions, fun facts, and betting.