Investment Apps for Beginners

Debbie Marsh

3 min read

Financial Flex Series: Exploring Investment Apps for Beginners

Investing can seem overwhelming, especially if you're new to the world of stocks, ETFs, and financial planning. Fortunately, there are a variety of apps designed to make investing more accessible, educational, and even fun. In this post, I'll share my personal experiences with investment apps, highlight the benefits of using them, and discuss some of the best platforms that can help you learn the ins and outs of investing.

Disclaimer: I am not a certified financial advisor or experienced coach. My information is 100% based on my personal experiences and research. If you are unsure about anything I share, I encourage you to consult a financial advisor, do your own research, and verify with trusted sources.

Why Use an Investment App?

Investment apps have gained popularity for several reasons:

Ease of Access – You can invest directly from your phone anytime, anywhere.
Educational Resources – Many apps provide articles, courses, and financial insights.
Low-Cost Investing – Most apps allow fractional share investing, meaning you don’t need a large sum of money to start.
Automated Features – Some apps help manage your investments with auto-deposits and portfolio rebalancing.
Hands-On Learning – They let you experiment and learn by doing, without the intimidation of traditional brokerage firms.

Featured App: Stash

The app I personally use is Stash, which makes investing simple and beginner-friendly.

Key Features of Stash:

Fractional Shares – You can start with as little as $0.01, making it easier to invest in big companies without needing large capital.
Diverse Investment Options – Offers stocks, ETFs, and Smart Portfolios managed by professionals.
Stock-Back® Card – Earn fractional shares of stock while making everyday purchases.
Educational Tools – Provides lessons and tips to help you understand investing better.
Automated Investing – Helps set up recurring investments and portfolio rebalancing.

I personally appreciate how Stash makes investing approachable. While I haven’t invested a lot yet, I’m learning and growing my money at a steady pace. If you’re interested in trying Stash, here’s a referral link where you can get $30 to invest when you join: Join Stash.

Other Investment Apps Worth Exploring

If you're looking to expand your investment knowledge, here are other apps that focus on both investing and financial education:

1. Acorns

Best for Automated Savings
Rounds up spare change from everyday purchases and invests it automatically.
Offers educational tools and personalized portfolios.

2. Robinhood

Best for Commission-Free Trading
Allows free trading of stocks, options, ETFs, and crypto.
Simple interface but lacks in-depth educational content.

3. Public

Best for Social Investing
Enables investors to follow experts and engage in financial discussions.
Offers fractional shares and zero-commission trades.

4. M1 Finance

Best for Automated & Customizable Portfolios
Allows you to create a personalized portfolio and automate investments.
Good for long-term investors looking for hands-off investing.

5. Investopedia Simulator

Best for Learning Without Risk
Offers a stock market simulator where you can practice trading with virtual money.
Great for those who want to experiment before investing real funds.

Final Thoughts

Investment apps provide an easy way to start growing your wealth, whether you’re an absolute beginner or someone looking for automated investing. I personally enjoy Stash because of its educational approach and flexibility, but there are many great options out there depending on your investment style and goals.

Remember, investing always carries risk, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always research, learn, and consider seeking advice from a financial professional before making any major financial decisions.

What investment apps have you tried? Share your experiences in the comments!