Investing 101: The Beginner’s Guide to Stocks

Disclaimer: This guide provides educational insights and is not financial advice. Always perform your own thorough research or consult a certified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, including potential loss of your invested principal.

Thinking about investing but don’t know where to begin? You’re not alone. It can all feel overwhelming at first—especially in the EU, where options and regulations vary. This guide breaks down the basics and helps you explore different ways to invest with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re in it for long-term growth or just want to understand your options, you’ll find clear explanations and useful tips to get started today.

Buying Stocks: Own a Piece of a Company

Buying stocks means owning a small part of a company. If that company grows, your shares can increase in value. Some also pay dividends—regular payouts from the company’s profits.

This option suits long-term planners who can handle some market ups and downs. If you like the idea of supporting companies you believe in and seeing your returns grow over time, stocks could be for you.

Before you invest, learn the basics. Look into the company’s financials, follow relevant news, and watch for trends. Spreading your investments across different industries can help reduce risk.

With bunq, you can invest in top companies worldwide—directly from your phone.

• Risk level: High

• Time needed: Medium to high

• Experience level: Medium to high

Bond Investments: Steady Returns, Lower Risk

Bonds let you lend money to a government or company. In return, you get regular interest payments—and your full investment back when the bond matures.

They’re a good fit if you want less risk and more predictable returns. Some use bonds to balance out riskier assets, while others focus on them entirely.

There are different types of bonds, like government bonds or corporate bonds. ESG bonds also let you support sustainable businesses while earning steady returns.

• Risk level: Low to medium

• Time needed: Low

• Experience level: Low to medium

ETFs: Mix and Match Without the Effort

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) bundle together multiple assets—like stocks or bonds—into one product you can trade like a regular share. They often follow a specific theme, region, or sector, such as tech, green energy, or emerging markets.

ETFs offer an easy way to spread your money across many companies without having to manage each investment yourself. They’re usually more affordable than actively managed funds and work for both short- and long-term goals.

bunq makes it easy to explore and invest in ETFs that match your goals.

• Risk level: Medium

• Time needed: Low to medium

• Experience level: Medium

Index Funds: Set It and Forget It

Index funds track the performance of a specific market index—like the S&P 500. Instead of choosing individual companies, you invest in a broad slice of the market.

They’re passive, which keeps fees low. They’re also hands-off, making them ideal if you want a low-maintenance way to grow your money over time.

Ready to find the best index fund in the EU? Start by defining your goals and risk tolerance, then pick a fund that fits. With bunq, you can invest directly from the app—no paperwork required.

• Risk level: Medium

• Time needed: Low

• Experience level: Low

Green Investment Funds: Investing Responsibly

Want to invest with purpose? Green investment funds focus on companies that meet strict ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards.

These funds help you grow your money while supporting sustainability and ethical business practices. They’re great for anyone who wants their investments to reflect their values.

At bunq, we make it easy to invest in ESG-friendly funds. Learn more about our commitment through our Socially Responsible Investments Policy and bunq’s Sustainability initiatives.

• Risk level: Medium

• Time needed: Low to Medium

• Experience level: Medium

Savings Accounts: Safe and Secure

Not ready to dive into investing just yet? That’s okay. A bunq Savings Account is a great place to park your money and watch it grow—without the risk.

You’ll earn high interest on your savings, paid out weekly. That means faster compounding, and faster progress toward your financial goals. Whether it's your emergency fund or your next big move, your money’s in good hands.

• Risk level: None

• Time needed: Low

• Experience level: Very Low

Why trade and save with bunq?

From your first share to your future goals, bunq gives you the tools to manage and grow your money—all in one app.

Explore new investment strategies. Build a safety net. Support sustainable businesses.

Whatever your goals, bunq helps you invest and save.