Brand spankin' new stock investor here - in fact, I have not yet purchased my first stock but hope to do so very soon.

I am only starting with $2,000 - $3,000, and will add $100-200/month.

I would love to buy Apple stock but realize the $700-ish share price will use up a lot of my budget. So I am intrigued by using ShareBuilder.com to purchase fractions of shares.

What are the pro's and con's of buying fractions? Thanks much - this rookie greatly appreciates your help.

It has been a while since you posted, but I will post a response with the hope that maybe you are still around.

Fractional shares are not inheritantly bad.

Sharebuilder's fees aren't trivial. The $4 fee is only for regularly scheduled transactions, at end of days on which sharebuilder buys shares. Some recommend buyandhold.com over sharebuilder.

Computershare manages a number of direct purchase/dividend reinvestment plans. The fees vary. There are some good plans. The number of stocks is limited compared to sharebuilder and buyandhold, but can be a good way to start.

https://www-us.computershare.com/investor/plans/buyshares.as...