How to invest in the stock market when under 18 years old?

[Paul]

The question above is self explanatory, i think, I would like to invest in the stock market, but i am under 18. Any ideas. Please i do not want any simulators, i want the real thing. Thanks in advance...

[EndlessMountain]

Gambling is illegal for the ages of under eighteen. Heck I am surprised that this casino game is allowed to be played by adults all over USA when we can only bet on sports in Las Vegas. There is no difference with the two in the sense that they are casino style games where you can win or lose.

To answer you question, to break this law you would have to have someone make the casino wagers for you, or break the law some way to get your bets made.

[Maximus]

I started investing when I was fourteen (I'm now 18).

The simple answer is that you need your parents permission to open a brokerage account. This is based on the UGMA/UTMA (Uniform Gift/Transfer to Minors) Act.Essentially, any money put is in trust for you, but as most brokerages are online, you can control the trades, investments, etc. with your parents grace. Depending on what state you live in, the account will become your property at 18 or 21 (ex. NY is 21 bsaed on the UTMA Act).

A great broker to start with is Firstrade [www.firstrade.com]. They have low commissions and great customer service. They also have no minimum to open an account. Do your own research to decide for yourself.

So: what you need.
1) parents willing to open an account for you, etc.
2) research and find brokers
3) open and fund an account [paperwork required!]
4) research and invest what money you have
5) gain experience and hopefully earn some profits

Good luck!

[Stock Trader]

I did that when I was under 18. I think I had to set up a joint account with a parent. Not sure if it was a legal reason, or just something we did.

Much better than sacking groceries like the other kids.

[Ted]

You have to be over 18 to sign a contract. That mean your parents will have to open the account and be legally responsible for it to the broker. Then, if they want to give you the ID and password that's their choice.

[A Nobody]

In North America, you must be 18 years of age to open an account with a brokerage firm, this covered under both contract law and securities law.

You need a parent to open a custodian account in your name using your social security number. When you turn 18, the assets in the account can be moved to an account in your own name.

Legally, the custodian on the account should enter all transaction for the account.

I started when I was 11 using a custodian account, invested in grade and started trading while in high school and part of college using the custodian account.

If you're going to play in the game, play by the rules

STOCKTRADER- as a minor you can NOT have a joint account with a parent and/or guardian.