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During this period of high inflation, I’ve been tracking the best places to move and manage cash into the safest short-term securities in existence- Treasury bills (a.k.a. t-bills).
When dealing with a significant amount of money where I don’t plan to use brokerages, Interactive Brokers are a convenient option. With them I can construct my own T-Bill ladder, spanning 1, 2, 6, and 12 months pretty easily. This strategy is what I’ve been doing and is far better than most banks or CDs at the moment.
However, if you’re looking for a way to move money in and out of a treasury account digitally, I recommend public.com. Public.com provides a seamless experience that I’ve come to enjoy as I try to keep as much of my cash on the sidelines while also earning yield.
Here’s how to buy T-Bills with them in a few simple steps:
Steps to create an account:
- Click here to sign up for public.com.
- After logging in go to Treasury Account in the left sidebar.
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3. Review and Sign the Disclosure
4. Buy Treasury Bills
It’s that simple! Now on to the review of public.com
Public.com Review
Public.com is a prominent platform that can help meet your investing needs. The platform was founded to make investing easy and allow users to invest in stocks, ETFs, Treasuries, cryptocurrencies, and alternative assets. Transparency and social engagement make Public.com distinctive as an online brokerage.
In my view, the simple interface makes Public.com for novice and experienced investors. Users can buy fractional shares to invest in high-value stocks with minimal funds. This characteristic may attract millennials and new investors This review will describe Public.com’s basic principles, mission to democratize money, and values of accessibility, transparency, and community. To help new investors, we’ll highlight the platform’s fundamental features, from fractional share investment to its vibrant social community.
History of Public.com
Jannick Malling and Matt Kennedy established Public.com in 2017. They saw a need to democratize finance and remove stock market obstacles. Public.com started a novel investment method.
The platform has drawn investors and key alliances since its launch. Its history shows a dedication to reforming financial markets to make investing more accessible to all.
The Objective of Public.com
Public.com‘s objective is to make investing accessible to everyone. The platform operates on key ideals that support this aim. Public.com makes fractional share purchases and commission-free trading of US-listed securities during US regular market hours accessible.
Another important aspect is transparency. That’s why the platform encourages openness and knowledge-sharing. This feature stimulates investor interaction and emphasizes community-building.
By offering alternative investments alongside traditional ones, Public.com promotes diversity. Last but not least, investor education empowers users with resources and expert advice.
Benefits
Let’s explore the main benefits of Public.com:
Registration and commencement
In my view, signing up on Public.com is a piece of cake. The platform’s accessibility is clear from the moment you start using it. New users can sign up by email or Google. Different tech levels can start fast with our simplified registration process.
Account types and costs*
Public.com has a simple fee structure, which in my view is great for newcomers. Now, this is one of my favorite things about this platform. The website offers commission-free U.S. listed stock and ETF trading during regular US market hours, which benefits cost-conscious investors.
As part of its commitment to make investing accessible, Public.com does not charge maintenance or inactivity fees on most accounts. Other fees do apply and are listed on Public’s fee schedule. Public.com‘s $10-per-month Premium subscription gives advanced users extra data and insights.
This membership is optional and doesn’t affect the fundamental benefits for all users. U.S. listed stocks and ETF trades are commission-free during regular US market hours, however, automatic investment plans and wire transfers may cost*.
Additionally, alternative asset trades incur a 2.5% charge. Public.com‘s straightforward pricing structure is a welcome change from traditional brokers’ complicated arrangements.
Mobile app design and functionality
In my experience, Public.com‘s mobile app is great for investors on the go. Beautiful design and an intuitive UI make the app easy for beginners to use. Users can easily monitor their portfolios, find new investments, and interact with the community due to the layout’s simplicity and clarity.
The community feed lets users see what other investors are purchasing and selling. This social feature makes the mobile app fascinating because users can follow and connect with other investors to get portfolio suggestions.
Experience with desktop platforms
I think Public.com excels on mobile, but its desktop platform complements it. Desktop users get deeper market data and investment analysis. It’s ideal for people who want a bigger screen and a more complete investing outlook.
The mobile app and desktop platform integrate seamlessly, allowing users to transition between platforms without interruption. Public.com is consistent and easy to use across mobile and desktop devices.
Accessibility
Public.com prioritizes accessibility, which shows in its usefulness. I think beginners unfamiliar with financial terminologies will find the platform’s language easy to understand. Users can invest in high-value stocks without a large investment by buying fractional shares.
Public.com‘s social and communal aspects make it accessible. Sharing thoughts and learning from others makes users feel part of a wider investing community. Beginners who are nervous about their first stock market investment can benefit from this sense of belonging.
Investment Options
Public.com offers a variety of investing opportunities for investors of all risk levels and interests. The types of investments you can access are:
- Public.com offers many stocks from well-known companies. Investors can buy their favorite stocks or try new ones.
- ETFs simplify portfolio diversification. Public.com lets customers buy into ETFs across sectors and asset classes.
- Public.com lets consumers invest in several Cryptocurrencies through a software licensing agreement between Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC and Public Crypto.
- Public.com‘s alternative asset investments include art, memorabilia, and other collectibles. This unique feature distinguishes Public.com from other platforms and attracts diversifiers.
There are more ways in which you can invest on this platform. Let’s get into it:
Fractional shares
Public.com‘s fractional shares and dollar-based investing revolutionize investing for novices and small investors. Fragmental shares let customers own a section of a stock or ETF. This lets you invest in publicly traded companies trading at hundreds or thousands of dollars per share for just a few dollars.
Fractional shares allow everyone to diversify** their portfolio, regardless of budget. Public.com allows dollar-based investing so that consumers can buy particular dollar amounts rather than a fixed number of shares.
In my view, this method simplifies investing and promotes disciplined savings, making it ideal for beginners who want to automate their investments.
Options for portfolio diversification**
I believe that diversification is essential to investing, and Public.com makes it easy to diversify across asset classes. You can build a balanced portfolio with stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, or alternative assets that meet your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Public.com‘s fractional shares and accessibility let you diversify your portfolio with a minimal investment. Diversification may be used to mitigate risk and the impact of one asset on your portfolio.
Public’s Unique Alternative Assets
Public.com enables investors to invest in, collectibles, and more, unlike most platforms. Diversification is one of the strategies that can be used to help reduce market volatility and expand investment options.
Community and Social Features
Public.com is a vibrant trading and investment community. I think social elements set Public.com apart from brokerages. It prioritizes community. The social feature makes investing more engaging and collaborative across the platform.
Public.com‘s community-driven model engages investors. Followers may be able to view other investors’ trading and investment strategies. In my opinion, this application helps novice investors observe expert investors’ methods and gain confidence in their own decisions.
The platform’s community feed encourages discussion. Public.com users can discuss opinions, inquiries, and investment opportunities here. This constant exchange of ideas improves user experience by encouraging learning and collaboration.
Fees and Costs*
- Public.com‘s simple pricing distinguishes it from other investing platforms. The platform’s fees reflect its commitment to investing in accessibility.
- It provides commission-free U.S. stock and ETF trading during regular U.S. market hours. For cost-conscious investors, these assets can be bought and sold without additional costs from the brokerage firm. Other fees may still apply and fee schedule** should be reviewed prior to trading
- Long-term investors may save money on Public.com since it requires no account maintenance. Inactivity fines are waived for $20+ accounts. It offers a $10-per-month Premium subscription, but its core features are available to users without a subscription. This membership gives experienced users greater data and insights. Importantly, this premium service is voluntary and doesn’t degrade the value of services available for all customers.
- US-listed stock and ETF trading during US regular market hours is commission-free*, however, automatic investment plans and wire transfers may cost. Alternative asset trades cost 2.5%. Security and Privacy
Public.com prioritizes data security and privacy. The platform uses bank-grade encryption to protect data. It secures all data in transfer between users’ devices and the platform’s servers, protecting user data.
It uses 2FA for security. User account access is protected by adding a second verification step after the username and password login.
The platform’s privacy policy covers data collection, use, and protection. Public.com respects privacy.
Stocks and ETFs on Public.com are offered through Open to the Public Investing Inc., a registered broker-dealer and a member of SIPC..which protects securities customers of its members up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for claims for cash). An explanatory brochure is available upon request or at www.sipc.org.
Conclusion
My opinion of Public.com is it provides an engaging investment platform for beginners and those seeking a social investing experience. Low-cost stock and ETF trading, fractional share investing, and a lively community that promotes knowledge-sharing and openness are its benefits. Art and collectibles provide a unique level of variety.
However, users need to note the 2.5% commission for alternative asset trades, and while the fundamental services are available to all customers, the Premium membership costs $10 per month. Public.com‘s focus on accessibility, education, and community engagement attracts many investors.
In case of any query, reach out to us and boost your financial knowledge.
* Please see Open to the Public Investing’s Fee Schedule to learn more. Commission-free trading of stocks refers to $0 commissions for Open to the Public Investing self-directed individual cash brokerage accounts that trade the U.S.-listed, registered securities electronically during Regular Trading Hours.
Keep in mind that other fees such as regulatory fees, Premium subscription fees, commissions on trades during extended trading hours, wire transfer fees, and paper statement fees may apply to your brokerage account.
** Diversification cannot ensure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. It is a strategy used to help mitigate risk. Fractional shares are illiquid outside of the Public and not transferable. For a complete explanation of conditions, restrictions, and limitations associated with fractional shares, see our Fractional Share Disclosure to learn more.
Paid testimonial for Public.com. This testimonial is not indicative of future performance success and is the opinion of the person providing this testimonial. Each customer experience may be different and the testimonial presented here may not be indicative of the experience of other customers. Neither Public.com nor its affiliates endorse any third parties referenced within the article.
All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities are offered by Open to the Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC.
Brokerage services for alternative assets are offered by Dalmore Group, LLC, member FINRA & SIPC. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1828849), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Bakkt is not a member of FINRA or SIPC.
Brokerage services for U.S. Treasuries are offered by Jiko Securities, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Banking services are offered by Jiko Bank, a division of Mid-Central National Bank. Securities investments: Not FDIC Insured; No Bank Guarantee; May Lose Value.
ETFs, alternative assets, cryptocurrency, and treasury services are available to US members only. See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.
