opediahttps://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=
https://www.investopedia.com/simulator/&ved=2ahUKEwigkNWwnYKPAxUe2DQHHYBgL-MQFnoECBcQAQ&usgIf you have access to a defined contribution plan like 401k through your active employer, I’d invest within its fund line up. You’ll find blended target date funds, diversified mutual funds, stock funds etc. to generate wealth with moderate risk and you’ll likely capture company match money which is a fantastic bonus to you. Consider contributing after tax as Roth monies. Yes you pay taxes up front but as long as you keep that money in the investment vehicle for at least 5 years and do not withdrawal until age 59.5, you dodge taxes on any gains from those contributions which for a long game investor can be tens of thousands of dollars in your pocket when you need it instead of the tax man. Additionally if you are older and in the us, you can take advantage of catch up contributions which extends your max contribution beyond the COLA limit by an added 7.5k this year 2025.
Talk to your employer HR about what firm manages their DC plan and as spoken to already a FA or licensed financial professional from that firm - likely the call would be free to you and very informative. My preference is Fidelity investments but you’ll want to talk to the firm that manages your employers 401. For a broader conversation, any of the big firms like Fidelity, Schwab, EdJones, Merrill etc can get the job done for you and answer your questions as you are new to the subject.
Specific to the purchasing of Apple stock, any of the aforementioned firms personal investment (PI side) investor centers can assist you with that. Conversely they have web based PI solutions/interfaces to purchase stock as well but as spoken to already, why put your eggs in one basket when you can leverage the security of a diversified or blended fund/s? Strategy to think about & a solid conversation to have with a FA.
Good luck.