If you’re opening a Fidelity account, the process is fairly straightforward. First, decide which type of account fits your goal, such as a regular brokerage account, Roth IRA, or traditional IRA. Fidelity lets you open most accounts online and guides you through the application. 

You’ll generally need to provide personal information for identity verification, then create your login, fund the account, and choose your investments. 

If you're also reviewing your broader financial protection while getting your finances organized, you can learn more about individual insurance options and compare coverage based on your needs.