Investing in Stocks

Hello fellow Dreamers,


Just as the title says I'm trying to start investing in some stocks. To be specific I plan on investing on a Vanguard index fund. I'm stuck at the sign up process at the moment. Vanguard asks for current status with three options: Citizen, Resident Alien, and Non-Resident alien. The "Non-Resident Alien" option cannot sign up for the index fund online. My question is what category do we as DACA recipients fall under? (Out of Resident Alien or Non-Resident obviously). My best guess is Non-Resident alien, but I have been hearing otherwise.

Has anyone had experience with investing with Vanguard or any other broker? I would really appreciate your input.

Thanks!

Hello I recommend you try a discount broker and invest in exchange traded funds (ETFs) for more flexibility. Also there are a lot form to fill out if you declare yourself a non-resident alien...

I have an account with vanguard. I am DACA also and had the same question when I first setting up my account. I believe what vanguard is asking isn't about our status in the country but about what we are considered for tax purposes. In this case, resident alien would be anyone that lives in the US and pays taxes in the US while a non resident alien would be someone abroad looking to open a vanguard acct or such. I did a good amount of research and I opened my acct as resident alien but do research for yourself as I would not want to be givig the wrong info. Just my personal experience!

I think they mean resident alien as in "resident alien for tax purposes" not necessarily meaning permanent residents or green card holders

Hmm after research it seems that I am considered a resident alien for tax purposes, and for the Vanguard website.

Im trying to open a Vanguard account now, so we are considered Resident right? When i clicked Resident then we have to provide the Country of Citizenship

I have account with Charles Schwab for 3 years now and I think opening investment account was one of the best things I did in my life, I wish I opened account when I was in my early 20's. If you have no idea about stocks I would recommend to start with their intelligent portfolio, it's very good product too.

Robinhood! make your own trades and print!

No reason to use Robinhood these days. Commission-free trades are available through multiple discount brokers. Also, if you are registering for first time, look for bonuses and discounts. I know Schwabs offers $100 for people to sign up for brokerage accounts.

Robinhood is okay, they had issues with crashes. As long you are not really doing any option trading it should be alright. The UI is pretty.