Investing in girls can be simple. Here's how to encourage your daughter to adopt an investor mindset for life.

Reflect on your own journey: Who guided you in investing? Are there choices you wish you'd made differently? You can pass on valuable financial skills to daughters, nieces, cousins, and friends. In today's world, where young women need financial empowerment more than ever, investing for kids is crucial.

According to a study by Fidelity, women are nearly twice as likely as men to feel they lack investing knowledge. Many women find investing overwhelming. We can change these statistics by educating and empowering one another.

One impactful way to inspire the girls in your life is by gifting them shares in a publicly traded company. Start with brands they love, like Disney, Apple, or Chipotle. Don't stress about selecting the perfect stock; the main goal is to introduce the concept of investing at a young age. This experience is vital for the next generation of women.

For a perfect gift for a teen or college student, check out this new book, How To Money. It's a fantastic resource for young adults beginning their financial journey, covering budgeting, credit cards, salary negotiations, and more.

Empower Her with Financial Knowledge

Women often hold back in investing due to self-doubt and caution. A Schwab survey found that young men are twice as likely to have an investment account compared to young women. Ironically, when women do invest, they often outperform men.

Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, a financial literacy advocate, emphasizes the need for exposure to investing, not just education, to bridge the economic gender gap. Discussing investments with young women enhances their confidence and knowledge. Hands-on experience with stocks—such as owning shares in their favorite brands—will prepare them to think like investors throughout their lives.

Here are five ways to nurture your future investor's potential. And yes, these tips apply to boys, too!

1. Collaborate on Portfolio Building

The easiest way to gift stocks is to buy shares in your brokerage account. You could either fund her choice or allocate part of an existing investment for her. Involve her during portfolio checks to track her investments together. Eventually, you can create a separate account in her name.

2. Set Up a Custodial Trading Account

Opening a custodial investment account is a great step for young investors. It's as straightforward as opening a bank account with a low-cost broker. Funds in this account belong to her but are managed by an adult until she reaches legal age, at which point she can take full control.

3. Invest in Fractional Shares

Some stocks, like Amazon or Alphabet, can be pricey. Fractional shares allow you to invest with smaller amounts. For instance, Stockpile.com offers an excellent platform for buying fractional shares and tracking investments online, making it easy for kids to engage with the stock market.

Budget-friendly apps like Robinhood also enable partial share purchases for older teens and adults.

4. Create an Exciting Unwrapping Experience

A simple trade confirmation won't generate excitement. Consider a tangible representation of the stock gift. GiveAShare.com offers custom-framed stock certificates for various companies, adding a special touch to your gift. Alternatively, a Stockpile gift card provides a fun way for them to select their own investments.

5. Re-Gift Stocks You Own

Existing stocks make fantastic gifts. If the recipient enjoys them, they can hold onto the shares; if not, they can sell and buy something more appealing. Gifting shares is straightforward if she has a brokerage account. Simply draft a letter of instruction to direct the transfer.

Keep Financial Conversations Going

Helping a young girl become a shareholder is a lasting gift. Discuss her investments whenever the company comes up in conversation—whether shopping, watching the news, or dining out. This ongoing dialogue about investing can yield lasting benefits in her financial future.