Step-by-step guide to starting to invest with free digital brokers

The idea that investing is something complicated, exclusive to those who already have a lot of money, or requires a financial advisor in a suit and tie, is a myth that, fortunately, is being dispelled.

Thanks to advances in technology, a silent and democratic revolution in the world of personal finance is allowing more and more people, with a wide range of profiles and budgets, to take their first steps in the capital markets.

The path to building a stronger, more secure financial future is more accessible than ever, especially for those who want to invest with free digital brokers.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover everything you need to start your journey, demystifying the process and showing that financial freedom can be built consciously and gradually.

We'll cover everything from choosing the ideal platform to diversifying your first investments.

Why free matters and what it really means

The popularization of digital brokerages has changed the game for small investors.

In the past, brokerage and custody fees could eat into a large portion of profits, especially for those making small contributions.

Most stockbrokers charged for each order to buy or sell shares, in addition to monthly fees to maintain the account.

This cost structure acted as a barrier to entry, making investing prohibitive for those without considerable capital.

Today, the scenario is completely different. Digital brokers, which operate online, have not only simplified the process but also eliminated or drastically reduced fees.

Many of them offer zero brokerage fees for most assets, such as stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds).

This free service is possible thanks to technology and the scale of their operations. Instead of relying on transaction fees, they generate revenue in other ways, such as by offering value-added services or more sophisticated financial products, which users can purchase if they wish.

This approach democratizes market access, allowing you to invest with free digital brokers make it part of your financial routine.

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Evaluating the digital brokerage: security, reputation, and usability

First and foremost, choosing a broker is a crucial step. While free services are an attractive factor, they shouldn't be the only criteria.

The security of your investments is your top priority. Choose institutions regulated by reputable, authoritative bodies such as the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) and the Brazilian Stock Exchange (B3).

Check if the company has a good reputation in the market by searching forums, complaint sites, and news outlets.

The ease of use of the app or web platform is also crucial. An intuitive interface and a simple account opening process can make all the difference, especially for beginners.

A platform with a good user experience will offer learning resources, clear graphs to track asset performance, and tools to help with decision-making.

It's important that the company provides quality support if you need to ask questions or solve a problem.

The definitive step-by-step guide to starting to invest

Now let's get to the real point: the practical guide to getting started. Remember, the process is simpler than it seems.

1. Define your goals and investor profile:

The first step to any investment journey is self-awareness. You need to understand why you're investing and how long you intend to keep the money invested.

Are you saving for a comfortable retirement, a car in two years, or a dream trip? Your goals will determine the most appropriate type of investment.

Then, take the “suitability” test, a mandatory questionnaire offered by brokers.

It will identify your investor profile (conservative, moderate or bold) based on your risk tolerance and your knowledge of the market.

This step is crucial to prevent you from investing in assets that don't align with your personality and goals.

2. Open your account with the digital broker:

With your profile defined and a broker selected, it's time to open your account. The process is usually quick and online.

You will need documents such as your ID or driver's license, proof of residence, and, in some cases, a selfie for validation.

Once submitted, approval can take anywhere from minutes to a few business days.

3. Transfer the money:

Once your account is approved, you will receive bank details to make the transfer (TED or Pix) from your bank to the brokerage.

There's no minimum deposit. You can start with small amounts, like R$10, R$50, or R$$100, to familiarize yourself with the platform.

4. Choose and buy your first assets:

With the money in your brokerage account, it's time to make your first investment. Many beginners feel lost at this stage, but diversification is key to mitigating risk.

Example 1: João, a 25-year-old conservative investor, wants to start investing to build an emergency fund.

He decides invest with free digital brokers and, after taking the profile test, opt for fixed-income securities, such as the Tesouro Selic, which offers high security and daily liquidity.

It starts at R$200 per month, ensuring your reserve grows safely and with low risk.

Example 2: Maria, a 22-year-old student, wants to start investing for the long term. She has a moderate profile and decides to diversify.

She opts for a strategy that combines an ETF that replicates a market index, such as Bova11, with a Real Estate Investment Fund (FII) to receive monthly rents.

Thus, it exposes its capital to different types of assets, reducing risk concentration and taking advantage of the opportunity for appreciation in both asset classes.

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Diversification and the basket of eggs metaphor

A diversification is one of the most important principles of investing. The idea is simple: "don't put all your eggs in one basket."

If the basket falls, all the eggs will break. But if you distribute your eggs across multiple baskets, the loss will be less if one of them falls.

In the investing world, this means not putting all your money into a single asset or type of investment.

To begin with, you can mix fixed income assets, such as government bonds, with variable income assets, such as stocks or real estate funds.

Diversification reduces the overall risk of your portfolio and increases the chances of long-term success.

Relevant data and facts you should know

The popularity of invest with free digital brokers in Brazil it is impressive.

According to the latest B3 Variable Income Bulletin, from January 2024, the number of individual investors on the Brazilian Stock Exchange surpassed the 5 million mark.

This growth represents a jump of almost 400% compared to 2019, when the number was 2 million, which demonstrates the strength of financial education and the demystification of the market for the population.

Furthermore, the democratization of access to investments has transformed the reality of many people.

Many Brazilians are abandoning traditional savings accounts, which offer low returns, to seek more profitable options, such as fixed-income securities linked to inflation (IPCA), or taking risks in variable income, which generates greater profit potential.

A study by Banco Inter reveals that 70% of new investors are people between 20 and 40 years old, indicating a generational change in the way we deal with finances.

This new wave of investors is looking for more agile, transparent solutions, and, of course, with affordable rates.

To deepen your knowledge about the market, you can consult the website of B3 – Brazil, Stock Exchange, Over-the-Counter. Here you'll find official data, news, and information on a wide range of assets.

Conclusion: The journey begins with the first step

The decision to start invest with free digital brokers is a step towards controlling your financial life.

By demystifying the process and using the tools available, you empower yourself to build a more prosperous and secure future. Remember, consistency is more important than the initial value.

Start with what you can, study continuously, and, above all, be patient. Time is an investor's greatest ally.

The journey may have its ups and downs, but the feeling of seeing your wealth grow, of knowing that your money is working for you, is immensely rewarding.

If you've made it this far, you're already ahead of many others. Knowledge is the main tool for success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need to have a lot of money to start investing?

No. Nowadays, it's possible to invest with free digital brokerages starting with very small amounts, such as R$$10 in some fixed-income securities or R$$50 in investment funds. The key is the discipline to make regular contributions.

2. Is the digital broker safe?

Yes, as long as it's regulated by the CVM and B3. Brokerages are monitored and follow strict security standards. Invested funds are segregated from the brokerage's assets, meaning your money wouldn't be lost if the institution went bankrupt.

3. How much return can I expect on my investments?

Returns vary greatly depending on the type of asset and the level of risk. Fixed income, for example, offers more predictable returns, while variable income offers greater potential for gains, but also for losses. There's no magic rule, which makes research essential.

4. How does the broker make money if it doesn't charge fees?

Digital brokerages generate revenue in a variety of ways: through more sophisticated financial products (such as stock lending and trading desks), interest on account balances, and partnerships with fund managers. Offering free brokerage fees for common assets is a strategy to attract and retain clients.

For additional information on capital markets and financial education, you can explore the website of Brazilian Association of Financial and Capital Market Entities (ANBIMA), an important source of industry information and data.