Welcome to Public Investing: A Beginner’s Guide
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Public investing app, an excellent platform for beginners looking to start their investment journey. Public offers a user-friendly experience that allows you to invest in stocks, ETFs, crypto, and even alternative assets like art and collectibles. Plus, its social investing features make it distinct and educational. Let’s dive right in!
What is Public?
Public is a commission-free investing application designed for simplicity and transparency. You can invest in stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and other alternative assets. One of Public’s unique features is its social investing capability, which allows you to follow other investors, view their portfolios, and share insights about trades. This setting is particularly beneficial for beginners.
Setting Up Your Account
Downloading the App
To get started, download the Public app from the App Store (for Apple devices) or the Google Play Store (for Android devices). If you prefer using a web browser, visit the Public website directly.
Signing Up
Once installed, open the app and select the option to sign up using your email, Apple ID, or Google account. If you’re using a web browser, click on the “Get Started” button. You will then need to enter:
- Your email address
- A secure password
- A U.S. phone number (Public is currently available only to U.S. residents)
After providing the necessary information, you will need to verify your identity as mandated by U.S. law. This includes entering some basic personal information. Following this, link your bank account to deposit funds for investment.
Funding Your Account
After approval—which may take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours—you can deposit funds. Just click on “Deposit Funds,” select the amount you want to invest (minimum of $5), and your deposit should arrive within one to two business days. For smaller deposits, you might get instant access.
Referral Bonus
If you sign up using a referral link, Public offers free fractional shares, providing a great way to start investing with real money.
Exploring Investments
Now comes the fun part—choosing what to invest in. Public features a clean layout, showcasing curated sections like top movers, trending stocks, and crypto picks. You’ll also find themed sections, such as green energy or tech giants.
Buying Your First Investment
To make your first investment, follow these steps:
- Select the asset class (stocks, ETFs, crypto).
- For example, to invest in cryptocurrency, you can choose popular options like Bitcoin or Ethereum.
- Tap the “Invest” button.
- Enter the dollar amount you wish to invest—Public supports fractional shares, allowing you to invest something like $10 in companies like Amazon or Tesla.
- Review your order and swipe to confirm your investment.
Social Features
What sets Public apart is its social feed. You can:
- Follow and engage with other investors.
- View assets they are tracking.
- Read educational content and expert opinions.
- Share your thoughts and updates.
Think of it as a mix of Twitter and Robinhood, focused exclusively on finance and investments.
Tracking Your Portfolio
Head to the portfolio tab to monitor your investments, current balance, and real-time gains or losses. You can also set price alerts and explore premium tools for deeper insights.
Security and Fees
Public is an FINRA-registered broker and offers SIPC insurance, protecting investments up to $500,000. While there are no commission fees for most trades, some transactions involving crypto or alternative assets may have minor fees. Public is transparent about pricing, ensuring no hidden costs.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to set up your Public account, fund it, explore investment options, and make your first trade—all in a short amount of time. Whether you’re interested in stocks, crypto, or even artwork, Public provides a robust platform to help you grow your money. If you found this guide helpful, give it a thumbs up and consider subscribing for more investment tips! Thank you for reading, and happy investing!
