Investing in stocks - Get some free stocks to start

Once you get some extra money coming in, you might be looking for ways to invest some of it.  Investing in the stock market is an option, but like any investment it carries risks.  There are plenty of sources where you can learn information about the stock market, but when it comes to pulling the trigger you have to jump in and take risks.  So why not risk free stocks?

There are two services (Robinhood and Stockpile) that will give you a free stock when you use the referral links I provide.  This gives you a chance to try out both services, and get hands on experience with stocks.

Here are some of the key aspects/differences of each service:

Robinhood:

• No fees to open/maintain account, transfer funds or buy stock
• Minimal fees when you sell (company charges nothing but there are SEC/TAF regulatory fees)
• Free random stock ($2 - $200 value) if you use my link.  Mine was a stock in Chesapeake Energy Corporation (CHK) worth $3.87 at the time, currently worth $4.30 but some people do get lucky and get high value stocks.
• No fractional shares
• No dividend reinvestment
• Referral program where you can earn more free stocks ( up to $500 worth )

Stockpile:

• No fees to open/maintain account
• 99 cents per trade to buy/sell stock
• Other fees if you are giving as a giftcard/e-gift, which this service is really good for in my opinion
• Free $5 of stock if you use my link, and you can pick the company you want
• Can purchase fractional shares
• Free dividend reinvestment
• Great educational resources
• UTMA (Uniform Transfer to Minors Act) account that is owned by a minor but managed by an adult (the custodian) but the custdian doesn't have to be a parent.

What are fractional shares?

As of September 30 the stocks for Ford (F) costs $11.97/share and Apple (AAPL) costs $152.12/share.  With Robinhood you have to buy a full share at the cost, but with Stockpile you can buy fractional shares based on how much you want to invest.  As an example, I purchased exactly $5 with of Ford (F) at $11.95 per share so I ended up getting 0.41841 shares.

Read up more on fractional shares here

What is dividend reinvestment?

Some stocks pay dividends (basically a share of the profits the company makes).  With dividend reinvestment, the money you make is used to purchase more stocks.  Stockpile supports this (with no fee) but currently Robinhood does not.

Read up more on dividend reinvestment here

Other useful links:
The Complete Beginner's Guide to Investing in Stock ( the balance )
Getting Started in Stocks ( Investopedia )

So how do you get your free stocks?

You can read the reviews I wrote and use the referral links on my the posts (links below) or you can just skip that and use the referral links.

Blog Links to read my reviews: Stockpile and Robinhood

Disclosure: These are referral/affiliate links, which means that if you sign up using my link, I’ll receive compensation/free stocks.  However, all opinions are my own.

Referral Links: 
Stockpile: (No longer has a referral program, see note below)
Robinhood: https://share.robinhood.com/victorj95

Update (Feb 2022): Stockpile no longer has a referral program but you can try going to ( https://www.stockpile.com/affiliate?utm_source=stockpile&utm_medium=freestocksupport&utm_campaign=support ) and see if it will give you $5 free.

If you sign up, please post on the blog and let me know what stock you won from Robinhood and what you purchased from Stockpile.

If you want to see other freebies/offers, go here:
http://bigboystoys13.blogspot.com/2016/11/get-some-free-stuff-or-free-money.html