Fidelity

By Debbie Babalola

Many of us didn’t grow up knowing about the stock market, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start now. Building wealth begins with taking that first step, and one of the most accessible ways to do that is by opening a brokerage account.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by investing, this is your moment. In just five simple steps, you’ll be set up to own a piece of the market and begin your journey toward long-term financial growth. Let’s walk through how to open your first investment account with Fidelity, a trusted platform for both beginners and seasoned investors.

Step 1: Visit Fidelity.com

Go to fidelity.com and click “Open an Account.” It’s easily accessible on the homepage. No complicated forms or confusing language.

Step 2: Choose a Brokerage Account

Select “Brokerage Account”—this is the standard account for buying stocks and funds. You’ll enter some basic details: name, email, address, and your Social Security number for verification. The process is quick and secure.

Studies show that Black Americans invest in the stock market at lower rates than other groups, not because of a lack of interest, but often due to a lack of access or guidance. This closes that gap.

Step 3: Link Your Bank Account

Next, you’ll connect your bank account to fund your investments. You can link your account securely through Fidelity’s portal or manually enter your routing and account numbers.

Step 4: Fund Your Account

There’s no minimum to get started. Whether you have $10 or $1,000, it’s about building momentum. Choose your funding amount and initiate a transfer. Standard transfers are free and usually take 1–2 days to process.

💡 Tip: Don’t wait until you “have more money.” Start with what you can and build from there.

Step 5: Make Your First Investment

Fidelity’s FZROX (Total Market Index Fund) is a smart option for beginners. It provides exposure to the entire U.S. stock market, charges no fees, and requires no minimum investment.

In your account, go to “Trade,” search “FZROX,” click Buy, and enter how much you want to invest. Submit the order, and just like that, you’re officially an investor.

Investing isn’t about chasing hype; it’s about creating options. Ownership. Opportunity. Freedom. Opening your first stock account is a foundational step in building the kind of wealth that lasts for generations.

Start now, stay consistent, and remember: wealth building is a marathon, not a sprint.