There are various methods of buying and financing stocks. The most common means is through a stock broker. There are many different stock brokers to choose from such as full service brokers or discount brokers. The full service brokers usually charge more per trade, but give investment advice or more personal service; the discount brokers offer little or no investment advice but charge less for trades. Another type would be a bank or credit union that may have a deal set up with a broker.

There are other ways of buying stock. One way is directly from the company itself. If at least one share is owned, most companies will allow the purchase of shares directly from the company through their investor’s relations departments. Another way to buy stock is through Direct Public Offerings which are sold by the company itself.