The idea of investing in the stock market is one that we’re all familiar with. Although for people like me, familiarity extends to what we’ve seen in movies or on TV.

Given the task of investing in shares, I wouldn’t know where to begin, who to invest in, how much to invest…you get the idea, and I’m giving myself a headache just thinking about it.

To add to the headache, my first instinct would be to invest in established and steadily growing industries, but is it still worth investing in companies like the tech giants that have dominated the stock market in 2018?

I’m talking the big guys here, like Apple and Amazon, whose share price just seems to rise and rise.

Turns out my headache was for nothing because there’s an easy way to invest, with the help of professionals, that anyone can access, navigate and afford.

But first, the pros at EasyEquities are here to walk us through some of those big-name stocks, and whether or not it’s too late to hop on board.

Apple Inc. (AAPL)

Apple is currently the most valuable company in the world, and if Warren Buffett’s track record is anything to go by, then Apple should be part of your portfolio.

The world’s most famous investor has increased his holding in Apple Inc by 5%, making it the biggest holding in his portfolio at 23,8%.

• Dividend Yield: 1,32%
• 3-Year Annual Dividend Growth Rate: 33,8%
• 1-Year change: 45,36%
• Next earnings date: 31 October 2018
• #WhatsTheBeef target price: $240 per share. 

The current share price is around $225.

Apple Inc is one of the most recognisable brands in the world today. It’s also one of the most popular. This means that as long as it pays good dividends, it will be a great addition to any investment portfolio.

Apple shares have a dividend yield of 1,32% which is a really good thing. Besides, who are we to argue with Warren Buffett?

If you’re wondering about that hashtag, #WhatsTheBeef, that’s Barry, a market analyst with a wealth of experience in the investment markets. Now in his 10th year in the markets, Barry “The Beef” Dumas brings a combination of technical analysis and fundamental insights to the table in his articles for EasyEquities.

So Apple gets the seal of approval, which leads us to…

Amazon.Com Inc. (AMZN)

Amazon has been one of the best-performing companies in 2018, and a top performer since the dot-com crash in the early 2000s. Amazon has since diversified their offering, going above and beyond market expectations.

• Dividend Yield: 0% (AMZN has never paid a dividend). 
• 1-Year change: 102,53%
• Next earnings date: 24 October 2018
• #WhatsTheBeef target price: $2 050 per share.

The current share price is around $2 012.

With lucrative partnerships between Amazon and other technology companies on the horizon, some analysts are already projecting that Amazon will hit the $2 trillion mark by the year 2024.

You probaby want to be on board that train.

The Coca-Cola Company (KO)

The Coca-Cola Company needs no introduction, being the world’s largest beverage company and owning more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Basically, they’ve been around forever, and probably won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

• Dividend Yield: 3.35% 
• 1-Year change: 1.28%
• Next earnings date: 30 October 2018
• #WhatsTheBeef target price: $50 per share.

The current share price is around $46.

The Coca-Cola Company is a brand that is forever changing , and are even considering moving into the emerging (and lucrative) cannabis market.

So now that you know what’s going on, how do you go about getting involved?

EasyEquities makes it easy to access the market, with the help of an expert online. They have also made it extremely affordable, and then smashed it out the park with #Thrive.

#Thrive is an initiative where investors (that’s you and I) pay nothing in brokerage. That’s nada, zilch, mahala.

There are no registration fees, no monthly costs, and no minimum required deposit to begin investing. Zero brokerage is another major step towards lowering the barriers to investing for everyone, so now there’s no excuse not to dabble in the investment game.

You can check out the #Thrive Ts & Cs here.

To help you make the best possible investment, EasyEquities have selected what they call the Thrive50 stocks, comprising 25 South African and 25 international shares and ETFs that are the most popular among the EasyEquities community.

Again, you’re going to recognise some big names:

Their site is full of information to help with your choices, and it’s super easy to navigate, which is a great confidence booster for a first-timer like myself.

To put it differently, there’s really nothing holding you back from trying your hand at becoming the next Warren Buffett.