Is £280 enough to start buying shares for the first time? Yes, and here's why!

Getting into the stock market is something many people think about without really doing. One reason some potential investors don't start buying stocks is the perception that it requires a lot of money.

In fact, however, it is possible to start your stock market journey with a relatively small sum. I also see some potential advantages to doing so.

Why starting small can be better than going big

One reason I think an investor might want to start on a smaller scale is speed. Saving a lot of money can take a long time, so starting with a few hundred pounds could provide a quicker entry point into the market.

As a believer in long-term investing, I think that could be helpful as it potentially extends the time frame of one's investing career.

While people start buying stocks in hopes of making money, sometimes there are some beginner mistakes along the way that cost money. At least with a smaller amount at stake, such mistakes will be less painful financially!

Invest with less than £300

So, I clearly see some potential advantages for an investor starting small. I also think it is possible to do.

That said, there may be some challenges.

For example, diversification is a useful and simple risk management strategy. Diversifying with just a few hundred pounds may be more difficult than when investing larger amounts, but it is still possible.

Another thing investors should consider is the minimum charges or commissions. In a £280 pot of money, they could soon add up to a relatively large expense.

So I think a smart first-time investor will weigh up the different stocks and shares ISA deals available, to see what seems to suit their own circumstances best.

On the hunt for stocks to buy!

Having done that, the £280 needn't burn a hole in your pocket (or ISA).

You can sit back until the new investor finds what looks like a great opportunity to start buying shares. Patience is a virtue and that can certainly be the case when it comes to investing.

How could an investor find the right types of stocks to start buying?

Everyone has their own goals and focus. But I think one part new investors should consider is Record (LSE:RKT).

Risk and reward are always important to consider and Reckitt faces some risks that could hurt the share price, especially long-term legal disputes over product safety.

But one positive aspect of such problems is that it means Reckitt shares can now be bought cheaper than they could a few years ago.

This is a company with a massive market. As people will continue to clean their homes, for example, I expect that to continue to be the case.

While facing strong rivals, Reckitt can rely on competitive advantages, such as its well-established portfolio of premium brands that span the globe. That helps it reward shareholders with dividends. At the moment, the dividend yield is 3.8%.