NATIONAL INVESTING DAY
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NATIONAL INVESTING DAY
Every year on May 1, National Investing Day encourages people to dedicate at least one day in the year to explore how they can get invested and stay invested for a strong financial future. Whether you’re setting aside your first $100 or managing a growing portfolio, this day is about getting involved. Let May 1 be the day you choose to get involved, take control, and invest in your future, your family, and your financial goals!
#NationalInvestingDay and #InvestingDay
National Investing Day is more than a date on the calendar--it's a movement to help people realize that everyone can be an investor. Investing isn’t just for Wall Street or the wealthy--it’s for teachers, students, parents, and anyone with dreams and goals. National Investing Day is a time to encouraging meaningful conversations about investing, empowering future generations and providing crucial investing education resources. Today, we inspire you to participate in investing by learning how to invest not only in the markets, but also in a financially strong future.
Investing isn’t just for Wall Street or the wealthy--it’s for teachers, students, parents, and anyone with dreams and goals. National Investing Day encourages everyone to take that first step, ask questions, or seek guidance. Today, we inspire you to participate in investing by learning how to invest not only in the markets, but also in a financially strong future.
May Day
On May 1, 1975, Congress enacted the Securities Acts Amendments of 1975, which reshaped the investment landscape by deregulating fixed commissions on trade. These legislative and regulatory changes transformed the brokerage industry, opening the door to competition and broader access to financial markets. This historic shift became known as “May Day” in the brokerage world.
Prior to 1975, high fees and limited access made it difficult for average Americans to invest. In fact, investing before 1975 was largely for institutions and the wealthy. The 1975 legislation became the turning point, democratizing the world of finance, breaking down barriers, and giving individuals the opportunity to take control of their financial futures. It was a historic moment that leveled the playing field for individuals and broke down barriers that had kept investing exclusive for decades.
After the legislation took effect, many traditional brokerage firms responded by raising rates for smaller investors to recoup lost revenue. However, this strategy backfired and created an opportunity for discount brokerage firms to attract clients at lower commission rates. Companies like Charles Schwab capitalized on this moment by offering more affordable and accessible investment services to the general public.
After the legislation took effect, many traditional brokerage firms responded by raising rates for smaller investors to recoup lost revenue. However, this strategy created an opportunity for discount brokerage firms to attract clients at lower commission rates, ensuring that investing became accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy or privileged. Companies like Charles Schwab offered more affordable and accessible investment services to the general public, thereby opening access to investing for everyone.
At the time, Charles Schwab was a small investing firm compared to giants in 1975. After the SEC eliminated fixed brokerage commissions, the firm made a bold move to cut commissions by 50 to 60 percent, which catapulted Schwab into the spotlight as a pioneer of discount brokerage. They appealed directly to their individual investors by focusing on the personal needs of each investor.
CELEBRATE AND INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE
Whether you're planning for retirement, saving for a home, or building generational wealth, investing is a vital tool. This day encourages people to:
Start small but start now! You don’t need a fortune to begin investing. A $25 investment each month can grow significantly over time. The most important step is to get started.
Set clear goals by asking yourself what you are investing in. Is it Retirement? A new home? Education? Knowing what your goals are will help determine the best strategy to take.
Understand what you’re investing in and never invest in something you don’t understand. Read, ask questions, and use trustworthy sources to learn before you take the leap.
Learn about markets. Markets fluctuate up and down all the time. Don't panic if you notice your investment falling. Investing is about the long-term commitment of staying on the course.
Attend courses locally and online to learn about the market. Investing classes teach you about stocks, bonds, funds, and risk. The more you learn, the more successful your investment will be.
Share your investing journey with others using the hashtag #NationalInvestingDay and #InvestingDay.
HISTORY BEHIND NATIONAL INVESTING DAY
National Investing Day was founded in 2025 by Charles Schwab and declared by the Registrar at National Day Calendar to be celebrated each year on May 1. National Investing Day invites people from all walks of life to take control of their financial futures through participation, empowerment, and education.
About Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab was founded in 1971 and is one of the largest financial services firms in the U.S. The company offers a wide range of investment and wealth management services for individuals, advisors, and institutions, including online brokerage services, financial planning and investment, retirement planning, and banking and lending services. Schwab’s clients range from beginner investors to high-net-worth individuals with an emphasis for ease of access, low fees, and educational resources.
On May 1, 2025, Charles Schwab is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moment the company opened up investing for all. While May Day, or May 1, has always had special meaning at Schwab, creating National Investing Day invites people around the world to come together and invest in not just the markets, but also in their futures.