Stock is issued only once - if you are one of the people who buy the stock when it is issued (called an Initial Public Offering), the money goes to the company. If you buy on the stock exchange, the money goes to someone else who has already bought the stock.

You make money two ways - if you buy a stock that pays dividends, you get a dividend check usually quarterly. The second way you make money is if the price goes up and you sell the stock. Of course, the price of the stock could also go down and you can lose money (just ask the people who invested in the original General Motors).

You are buying shares on the secondary market. The equities you are buying give you rights of ownership. When the company shows promise, the stock value increases. Some stocks pay dividends. These dividends are your share of the profits.

Please buy a book on Understanding the Stock Market for Dummies.

I don't understand stock at all and just want someone to explain it please.

So you buy stock which gives money to a business so they can grow? Do you give just one payment or is it over time?

And how do you make money with stock? Are you paid or is it when you sell your stock?

Thanks so much I am just so confused obviously!