AboutWarren Boroson Expertise Author of "Keys to Investing in Mutual Funds" (Barrons) and "Ultimate Mutual Fund Guide" (Probus). Columnist for Gannett News Service.
Experience Author of 20 books; winner of 1996 Personal Finance award from Investment Company Institute and Washington University. Formerly on staffs of Money and Sylvia Porter's Magazine. Had a radio program (on WEVD)about mutual funds and a newsletter, FundDigest.
Question Dear Warren,
I have been thinking about investing in stocks and bonds. My questions is how much of a stock can you buy or is there a certain amount of stock required to buy. Example: Exxon sells at $72.35 per stock. How much of that stock can I buy?
Answer Dear Kimberly:
Of course, if you invest in a mutual fund, your proportional holding of any stock may be minimal. And there are funds with low minimums, like $1,000. Vanguard STAR is one.
In general, you can buy one share of a stock. Many companies allow you to buy stocks directly, bypassing a broker, and this is one way to purchase a minimum number of shares. If you're interested, I'll get you a list.
You can also work with a friendly broker and have him or her buy you one share, presumably without charging you a normal commission. Some years ago, friends of mine bought me one share of various stocks they thought were especially suitable for me--Hershey (I love chocolate), Toyota (my car), Tootsie-Roll. I still own a few of them, and they are a royal pain. I have to include them on my tax form, and I have to cash the checks I get, typically for 8 cents.
Kimberly, why don't you buy a good mutual fund, like Vanguard STAR.
