What is a brokerage account?

A brokerage account is just an account that lets you buy investments - stocks, ETFs, index funds - instead of only holding cash. You move money in from your bank, then use it to buy.

Two flavors most beginners meet: a regular (taxable) account you can withdraw from anytime, and a retirement account like a Roth or Traditional IRA that trades tax perks for leaving the money until later.

You don't need much to start. Many apps let you begin with a few dollars and buy 'fractional shares', so you can own a slice of an expensive stock - or a whole-market index fund - without buying a full share.

What actually matters when choosing one: low or no commissions, no scary minimums, and an app you'll genuinely open. Fancy features matter far less than starting the habit.