Direct stock plans usually will not allow you to buy or sell shares at a specific market price or at a specific time. Instead, the company will buy or sell shares for the plan at set times — such as daily, weekly, or monthly — and at an average top pe funds market price. Depending on the plan, you may be able to automate your purchases and have the cost deducted automatically from your savings account. Once you identify a few companies that fit your criteria and risk tolerance, the next step is purchasing shares in your brokerage account. Stocks in public companies are registered with the SEC and in most cases, public companies are required to file reports to the SEC quarterly and annually. Annual reports include financial statements that have been audited by an independent audit firm. Information on public companies can be found on the SEC’s EDGAR system.