Many investors buy stock online, through an investment account at an online broker. You can also buy stock through a full-service broker, and some companies allow investors to buy stock directly.  Buying a stock — especially the very first time you become a bona fide part owner of a business — deserves a celebratory ritual.

But before you pick out a shareholder party hat and rent a ticker tape confetti cannon, you need to know the basic process for making this investment. Below is a five-step guide to how to buy stocks, from opening a brokerage account to placing your first stock order.  Steps