How to buy Polygon pol?

Could you please elaborate on the steps required to purchase Polygon's native token, MATIC, commonly referred to as "POL"? I'm a beginner in the cryptocurrency space and am looking for a clear, concise guide to navigate the process. What platforms or exchanges should I consider using? Are there any security measures I should be aware of to protect my funds during the purchase? Additionally, what factors should I consider when choosing a wallet to store my POL tokens after acquisition? Your guidance would be invaluable in helping me get started on this journey.