Well, today I finally got off the research/procrastination/fear treadmill and actually did
My FIRST EVER transaction with ... Vanguard. I was a bit intimidated because Vanguard's environment doesn't seem as welcoming as Chas Schwab, but I plowed through and made the transaction.
I've already opened a Chas Schwab Account so for now as a beginner CS is where I will continue educating myself and becoming more confident.