Whether from the ticker running across the bottom of your TV screen or numbers filling the business section of the newspaper, most people are aware that the stock market is where investors make money through purchasing shares in publicly-held companies. However, for many investors, the process remains mysterious and overwhelming. This article aims to shed some light on how to buy shares on the stock market, a first step in building long-term wealth.

The first step in buying stocks is to set clear financial goals. How to buy shares on the stock market is important because it will help you stay focused on the things that are in your control and not distracted by market gyrations. Financial planners often recommend keeping a balance between short- and long-term goals and maintaining a well-diversified portfolio to reduce risk.

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Investors then need to decide what type of investment account to use. Generally, you will need a brokerage account to buy and sell shares of stock. You can find full-service brokers that will offer research and analysis of the financial performance of public companies, as well as discount brokers who will charge you lower commissions for each trade.

When it comes to purchasing and selling stocks, you can choose between a market order or a limit order. A market order will execute your trade at the current bid-ask price. This is best for buy-and-hold investors who are willing to accept small differences in prices. A limit order will only execute your trade if the bid price rises to the level you specify.