Overcome three investing ‘buts’ and start with $30

Investment commentator Kelly Green outlined steps for people who delay investing because of common objections. She recommended starting with a small amount, using a commission-free broker and buying a first share to gain experience and begin collecting dividends.

Green identified three frequent objections that keep people from investing: waiting until they have a large sum of money, insisting on exhaustive research before a first trade, and waiting for the market to stabilize. She described each obstacle and offered practical ways to move past it.

On the money issue, Green said many retail investors can begin with a single share or a fractional share. Several brokers allow fractional-share purchases, so a stock with a high per-share price can be bought with a modest amount. Green used a $30 example to show that even a small purchase can start generating returns that compound over time when dividends are reinvested.

Green explained dividend yield as the annual dividend income divided by the share price, expressed as a percentage. She noted that while a larger account produces more absolute dividend income, a positive yield on a small holding produces some cash return rather than none. She advised checking that a broker offers commission-free trading on U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs before placing trades.

On research and timing, Green advocated learning by doing. She recommended beginning with a small position to limit downside while gaining practical experience. Green cautioned that waiting to know everything before making a first trade prevents real-market learning. She also said investors do not need to wait for a single “settled” market because different sectors move independently and price opportunities exist at various times.

Green outlined a simple sequence for new investors: choose a commission-free broker such as Fidelity, Charles Schwab or Interactive Brokers, fund the account according to the broker’s instructions, and buy a first share. She recommended adding to positions over time and continuing to read analyst commentary and ask questions as experience grows.

As an example, Green highlighted Pfizer, which she noted was trading at $25.81 per share with a 6.7% annual dividend yield and is pursuing a turnaround with the aim of returning to growth by 2029. She used that example to show how a full share can be purchased for a modest amount and start paying dividend income immediately.

Green discussed the psychological barriers that produce “buts,” including procrastination and fear of failure. She cited a line often used to encourage action: “The best time to start investing was the day you turned 18; the second-best time is right now.” She closed her guidance with the brief admonition: “No buts.”