If you’re looking to build serious long-term wealth, knowing the best stocks to buy and hold is the key. Forget short-term hype. Forget chasing the next meme stock. What you need is a strategy that stands the test of time.
You want stocks that grow, pay, and stay solid — year after year. Whether you’re saving for retirement, planning for your kids’ college funds, or just want to sleep better at night knowing your investments are in good hands, this list is built for you.
Let’s dive into four of the best stocks to invest in right now and hold tight for the next two decades.
Why Long-Term Investing Wins Every Time
Before we jump into the list, let’s talk strategy. Why go long?
Because time in the market beats timing the market. Always has. Always will.
Markets fluctuate, sure. But over the long haul, quality businesses compound wealth — and that’s exactly what we’re targeting here.
These aren’t “stocks to buy today” and dump next week. These are buy-and-hold forever kinds of stocks.
What Makes a Stock a Long-Term Winner?
H2: Look for These Traits
To earn a spot on our list, a stock has to tick these boxes:
- Strong and predictable cash flows
- Industry leadership
- Consistent dividend growth
- Scalable business model
- Durability in any economic climate
Now, let’s break down the best stocks to invest in right now if you’re planning for the future.
1. Apple Inc. (AAPL)
H2: The iEmpire That Keeps Expanding
Let’s be honest — this one’s probably on your radar already. But Apple isn’t just a trendy pick. It’s a financial fortress.
With over $100 billion in cash reserves and a loyal customer base, Apple has become more than a tech company. It’s a lifestyle. It’s a brand. It’s a utility for modern life.
And the best part? Recurring revenue is the name of the game now. From iCloud to Apple Music and AppleCare, the services segment is booming.
H3: Why Hold Apple for 20 Years?
- One of the world’s most innovative brands
- Consistent dividend increases
- Strong share buyback program
- Incredible free cash flow
With Apple’s expansion into AI, AR/VR, and health tech, the runway is long and wide.
2. Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)
H2: A Quiet Giant in the AI and Cloud Boom
When it comes to good stocks to invest in right now, Microsoft is criminally underrated by many beginners. It’s not flashy. It’s not trending on Reddit. But it is a money-making machine.
Microsoft’s bread and butter — Office 365, Azure cloud, and Windows — are used by everyone from high school students to Fortune 500 CEOs.
Add in their leading role in AI through partnerships with OpenAI and integration across enterprise platforms, and you’ve got a stock that’s future-proof.
H3: What Makes Microsoft a Long-Term Powerhouse?
- Cloud business (Azure) is growing double digits
- Strong moat in productivity software
- Diversified revenue streams
- Solid dividend and balance sheet
H4: Insider Tip
Microsoft is integrating AI into all its tools — Word, Excel, Teams. This move could supercharge its earnings over the next decade.
3. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)
H2: The Healthcare Tank You Can Count On
Health isn’t going out of style anytime soon. And Johnson & Johnson knows it better than anyone. With over a century of brand trust, JNJ has become the backbone of global healthcare.
From Band-Aids to biotech, they do it all. And with their recent spinoff of consumer products, the company is doubling down on high-margin pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
H3: Why It’s One of the Best Stocks to Buy Today
- 60+ years of dividend increases
- Massive R&D investments
- Global healthcare footprint
- Low volatility in recessions
H4: Bonus Reason to Hold Long-Term
JNJ’s diversified health portfolio offers some insulation from economic downturns. When things go south, people still need their medicine.
4. Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN)
H2: More Than Just Online Shopping
It’s easy to think of Amazon as just a marketplace. But behind the Prime logo is a tech behemoth that touches every part of our lives.
AWS (Amazon Web Services) is the backbone of the internet. Prime has over 200 million members. They own Twitch. They run ads. They make movies. And they’re entering healthcare.
Oh, and they use robotics and AI to improve logistics faster than anyone else.
H3: Why Hold Amazon for the Next 20 Years?
- Endless reinvestment into innovation
- Dominant cloud infrastructure business
- E-commerce still growing globally
- Ad business becoming a major profit center
H4: Think Amazon Is Done Growing?
Think again. The global retail and cloud industries still have room to run — and Amazon is leading both.
Also read this: Supercell Releases Major Clash Royale Update with New Game Mode Merge Tactics
How to Actually Hold a Stock for 20 Years
Okay, cool. You know which companies are worth holding. But how do you actually do it without freaking out every time the market dips?
H2: Here’s the Mindset You Need
- Zoom out: Stop looking at daily charts. Think in years.
- Automate investments: Use dollar-cost averaging to buy consistently.
- Ignore the noise: News headlines are designed to scare you.
- Track progress annually: Not weekly.
These best stocks to invest in are built to endure — not impress in a single quarter.
What If You Want Dividends Too?
All four of these companies pay dividends (except Amazon, which reinvests). But for pure dividend lovers, you could consider adding:
- PepsiCo (PEP)
- Procter & Gamble (PG)
- Coca-Cola (KO)
They may not grow as fast as tech, but they pay you steadily.
Risk Alert: No Stock Is Risk-Free
Let’s be clear. Every stock has risk. Companies evolve, markets shift, and black swan events happen. That’s why diversification matters.
These picks are solid, but don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Even the best stocks to invest in right now can drop — temporarily.
But the point is, with high-quality companies, they tend to come back stronger and more valuable.
Where to Buy These Stocks?
You can grab them from any major brokerage:
- Fidelity
- Vanguard
- Charles Schwab
- Robinhood
- E*TRADE
Make sure to look into fractional shares if you’re just starting and want to invest in high-priced stocks like Amazon.
Final Thoughts: Build Wealth, Not Stress
The stock market isn’t a casino. It’s a wealth-building engine — if you use it right.
By owning the best stocks to buy and holding them long-term, you’re building a financial foundation that will serve you for decades.
Think of it like planting a tree. You don’t dig it up every week to see if it’s growing. You water it, protect it, and let time do the rest.
Let these four stocks be your financial oak trees.
FAQs
1. Are these the only good stocks to invest in right now?
Nope. There are many others. These are just four high-quality, proven performers with long-term potential.
2. What if the market crashes after I invest?
That’s part of the game. Stay calm, keep investing regularly, and remember: crashes are buying opportunities, not reasons to panic.
3. Should I invest all at once or slowly over time?
Consider dollar-cost averaging — investing a set amount regularly to reduce timing risk.
4. What’s the minimum I need to start investing?
Many platforms allow investing with as little as $1 using fractional shares.
5. Do these companies pay dividends?
Yes. All except Amazon pay dividends. Microsoft and Apple are especially known for consistent increases.
6. How often should I review my long-term investments?
Once or twice a year is plenty. Constant checking leads to panic. Set it, and mostly forget it.
