Investing online has never been easier or more accessible, especially for beginners. In 2025, individuals are finding it more feasible to start investing with just a small amount of money. Thanks to a range of online investing courses, apps, and platforms, even the most novice investors can begin their journey with minimal risk. Whether you’re a student, side hustler, or just someone eager to learn, online investing can be the path to building wealth over time. In this guide, we’ll explore the best online investing courses for beginners and offer tips on how to get started with as little as $10.
Why Online Investing for Beginners Is Easier Than Ever in 2025
Learn Investing Online at Your Own Pace
One of the major advantages of online investing courses is the ability to learn at your own pace. No matter how busy you are or what your learning style is, you can take courses that fit your schedule. Whether you prefer video tutorials, articles, or live sessions, online courses offer the flexibility to learn when and where you want.
With platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare, you can choose beginner-friendly investing courses that break down complex topics into easy-to-understand lessons. These resources are designed to ensure you can learn investing step-by-step without feeling overwhelmed.
Cheap Online Investing Options for Students & Side Hustlers
Online investing courses don’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of affordable (or even free) options that cater to students, side hustlers, and anyone on a budget. Some platforms even offer courses that are priced as low as $10, making it possible to get started without significant financial commitment. You can choose courses based on your goals and financial situation, which allows you to learn investing in a cost-effective manner.
Investing Online for Dummies – A Simple Start
If you’re new to investing, many online courses are tailored for beginners who have little to no prior knowledge. These “Investing for Dummies” courses provide simplified, easy-to-understand explanations of basic investing concepts such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and more. The goal of these courses is to help you gain confidence and start investing with a clear understanding of the markets and how they work.
Best Online Investing Courses for Beginners
Top Free Online Investing Courses in 2025
- Investing 101 (Morningstar) Morningstar offers a free investing course that focuses on the basics of stock market investing, mutual funds, and ETFs. This is an excellent option for beginners who are just starting to explore online investing.
- Introduction to Financial Markets (Coursera) This course, offered by Yale University on Coursera, is free for those who choose the audit option. It covers the basics of financial markets and is perfect for beginners who want to understand the world of investing.
- Stock Market Investing for Beginners (Udemy) Udemy offers free and low-cost courses designed to teach beginners about the stock market. Topics range from stock selection to portfolio management, providing a well-rounded introduction to investing.
- Khan Academy: Personal Finance & Investing Khan Academy offers a range of free courses on personal finance and investing. These courses are highly rated for their straightforward teaching style and beginner-friendly approach.
Best Online Investing Courses That Are Worth the Price
- The Complete Investment Banking Course (Udemy) This course provides an in-depth look at investment banking and how to analyze investment opportunities. While it’s more advanced, it’s an excellent choice for those wanting to take their investing knowledge to the next level.
- Financial Markets (Yale University via Coursera) A paid course offered by Yale University, this comprehensive program dives deep into financial markets, risk management, and investing strategies. It’s an ideal choice for those who are serious about a long-term investment career.
- The Intelligent Investor Course (Investopedia Academy) Based on the principles of Benjamin Graham, this course teaches value investing strategies. It’s perfect for beginners who want to learn more about stock selection and investment strategies with a long-term approach.
- Beginner’s Guide to Online Investing (Skillshare) Skillshare’s course provides a solid foundation for those new to investing, including stock market basics and strategies for building a portfolio. Membership to Skillshare is affordable and provides access to many related courses.
Finance and Investment Courses Online You Can Trust
When choosing an online investing course, it’s important to pick one from a trusted source. Some well-known and reputable providers include:
- Udemy: Offers a wide variety of online investing courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
- Coursera: Provides university-backed online courses, some of which are free to audit.
- Skillshare: Great for those who want to explore different aspects of investing and personal finance.
By sticking to platforms with solid reputations, you can be sure that the course material is up-to-date and trustworthy.
Exploring Online Investing Classes and Investment Courses
Online Investment Courses vs Online Investing Classes
The terms “online investment course” and “online investing class” are often used interchangeably, but they can have different structures. An online investment course typically refers to a complete, self-paced learning module that covers various aspects of investing. These may include videos, readings, quizzes, and practical assignments.
An online investing class, on the other hand, may refer to live webinars or instructor-led classes. While some prefer the live interaction and real-time feedback from instructors, others may prefer the flexibility of a course that can be taken at their own pace.
What to Expect from an Online Investing Course
Online investing courses typically start with the basics—understanding stock markets, types of investments, and risk management. As you progress, you may explore more advanced topics such as portfolio diversification, technical analysis, and trading strategies.
Courses designed for beginners will emphasize simple and clear explanations, interactive elements, and practical examples. Many platforms offer certification upon completion, which can be useful if you want to build a career in investment management or wealth planning.
Investment Classes Online for Long-Term Planning
Long-term investing classes focus on building a sustainable investment strategy. Topics may include retirement planning, risk management, and the importance of diversified portfolios. These types of classes are ideal for beginners who want to make sound, long-term decisions and build a strong financial future.
How to Invest in Mutual Funds Online – A Beginner’s Guide
Step-by-Step to Start Investing with Just $10
Investing in mutual funds can be a great way to get started with online investing. Many platforms now allow you to invest with as little as $10. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide:
- Choose a Mutual Fund Platform: Start by selecting a brokerage platform that offers access to mutual funds. Popular options for beginners include Vanguard, Fidelity, and Charles Schwab.
- Research Funds: Look for low-cost mutual funds that align with your investment goals and risk tolerance. Index funds and target-date funds are good choices for new investors.
- Open an Account: Sign up for a brokerage account, verify your identity, and deposit funds.
- Invest: Once your account is set up, choose a mutual fund and invest your $10 or more.
Best App for Online Investment You Can Use Today
There are a variety of apps that allow beginners to start investing with little money. Some of the best options include:
- Acorns: A great choice for beginners, Acorns automatically invests your spare change in diversified portfolios.
- Robinhood: Known for commission-free trades, Robinhood offers a user-friendly platform for buying stocks and ETFs.
- Stash: Stash allows you to start investing with as little as $5 and provides educational resources for beginners.
Learn How to Pick the Right Mutual Fund Online
When picking mutual funds online, it’s important to consider factors such as the fund’s performance, fees, and the risk level. Many online investing platforms provide tools to help you assess and select the right mutual fund for your goals.
Best Online Investment Sites and Tools for Beginners
Compare Top Sites for Safe & Simple Investing
When you’re just starting out, choosing the right online investment site is crucial. Here are some beginner-friendly platforms:
- TD Ameritrade: Known for its excellent educational resources, TD Ameritrade is a solid choice for new investors.
- Fidelity: Offers a range of investment options with no minimum deposit requirements.
- E*TRADE: E*TRADE is another popular platform that provides a wide selection of investments with easy-to-use tools for beginners.
Budget-Friendly Platforms for Cheap Online Investing
If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, platforms like Acorns, Stash, and Robinhood allow you to invest small amounts with no minimum balance requirements.
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes When Starting Out
- Start Small: Don’t invest too much at once. Begin with small amounts until you get comfortable.
- Diversify: Spread your investments across different assets to reduce risk.
- Don’t Time the Market: Avoid trying to predict short-term market movements. Focus on long-term growth.
Final Tips to Learn Investing Online in 2025
Choose Courses Based on Your Goals
If your goal is long-term wealth accumulation, look for courses that focus on retirement planning, mutual funds, and ETFs. If you’re interested in day trading, choose a course that covers technical analysis and stock market strategies.
Practice with Simulators Before You Invest Real Money
Many online platforms offer stock market simulators where you can practice investing with virtual money before committing real funds. This can help you build confidence and refine your strategy.
Keep Learning with Free Resources and Online Investing Classes
Never stop learning! There are plenty of free resources online to continue your education, from blogs and YouTube channels to podcasts and free courses.
By following these steps and enrolling in a well-structured online investing course, you can start your investment journey with confidence—whether you have $10 or $1,000 to invest. Happy investing.
