A Quarter Of Americans Admit They Want To Invest But Don't Know How — Here's The First Move Pros Tell Nervous Beginners To Make

Core Insights - A significant portion of U.S. adults, specifically 26%, plan to start investing in the stock market within the next six to twelve months, indicating a growing interest in investment opportunities [1][2] Group 1: Demographics and Trends - Younger adults, particularly 42% of Gen Z respondents aged 18 to 29, are driving the trend of new investors looking to enter the market this year [2] - Many potential investors are utilizing search engines and social media for financial information rather than traditional banks or financial news sites [2] Group 2: Financial Concerns - Managing daily living expenses remains a primary concern for those planning to invest, with these individuals being more than twice as likely to cite improving their credit score as a significant source of financial stress [3] - Less than half of those intending to invest feel confident about saving enough for a comfortable retirement, which highlights their motivation to start investing [3] Group 3: Initial Steps to Investing - Financial professionals recommend starting with the basics, such as opening an investing account, to transition from the idea of investing to actual participation [4] - Setting up a recurring contribution, even at a low amount, can help new investors develop a habit of investing and reduce the pressure of timing the market [5] Group 4: Investment Platforms - New investors are inclined towards self-directed platforms that allow for easy management of investments from mobile devices, with features like zero-commission trades and fractional shares [6] - SoFi's self-directed investing account is highlighted as a viable option for new investors, offering commission-free trades and the ability to start with minimal amounts [7] Group 5: Incentives for New Investors - SoFi is currently offering new investors up to $1,000 in stock when they open and fund a self-directed account, which can facilitate the transition from intention to action for those hesitant to start investing [8]