The primary way retail investors buy stock is through online brokerages and mobile apps .
: Often found in 401(k) or IRA plans, these automatically shift from aggressive stocks to conservative bonds as you approach a specific retirement year. 3. Direct Purchase Methods
: Using Robo-advisors (like SoFi Invest or Betterment) to automatically manage a diversified stock portfolio based on your risk profile. 2. Indirect Investing via Funds