If you’re just starting out, avoid individual stocks.
Establish an account with a reputable broker, Schwab or Vanguard would work. Put your funds in a large cap index fund with a low expense ratio. Set it to reinvest dividends and forget it.
I use Edward Jones and have done well. Don’t be afraid of owning a few stocks. But recommend blue chip stocks that pay dividends that you direct to be immediately reinvested, and when you retire those dividends can be your “paycheck” while preserving your principle.