*Web Novel chapter below*

How to Invest in Index Funds: A Beginner’s Guide to Effortless Wealth-Building

Investing can feel like a maze of confusing options and risky bets—especially if you’re just starting out. But there’s one strategy that cuts through the noise with its simplicity, low cost, and proven results: index fund investing. If you’re searching for a beginner-friendly way to grow your wealth over time, index funds are your golden ticket. In this guide, we’ll explain what index funds are, why they’re perfect for beginners, and how to get started today—complete with trusted platforms where you can sign up. By the end, you’ll have a clear, actionable path to launch your investment journey.

What Are Index Funds?

Imagine owning a small piece of the entire stock market without having to pick individual stocks. That’s the magic of an index fund. It’s a type of mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF) that mirrors a specific market index, like the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Instead of betting on one company, you’re investing in hundreds—like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon—all at once. It’s less about chasing winners and more about riding the market’s natural growth.

Why Index Funds Are Perfect for Beginners

Index funds are the go-to choice for new investors, and here’s why:

• Instant Diversification: One fund spreads your money across hundreds of companies, so a single stock’s stumble won’t derail your progress.
• Low Fees: No need for expensive stock-picking experts—index funds keep costs down.
• Set It and Forget It: No market expertise needed. Just invest and let time do the heavy lifting.
• Proven Track Record: Studies show index funds often outperform actively managed funds, making them a reliable path to long-term wealth.

How to Start Investing in Index Funds: A 3-Step Guide

Ready to take control of your financial future? Follow these simple steps to begin your index fund journey.

Step 1: Choose a Brokerage Account

A brokerage account is your gateway to buying index funds. Think of it as your investment dashboard. Here are three top platforms perfect for beginners:

• Vanguard: The pioneer of low-cost index funds. Sign up here.
• Fidelity: Offers zero-fee index funds with no minimums. Get started.
• Charles Schwab: Known for stellar customer support. Open an account.

Pro Tip: Look for platforms with low fees, a variety of funds, and an easy-to-use interface. Most let you start with as little as $1!

Step 2: Pick the Right Index Fund

Once your account is set up, choose a fund that matches your goals:

• S&P 500 Index Funds: Tracks the 500 largest U.S. companies (e.g., Vanguard’s VOO). Perfect for broad market exposure.
• Total Stock Market Index Funds: Includes small, mid, and large-cap stocks (e.g., Schwab’s SWTSX). Maximum diversification.
• International Index Funds: Invests globally (e.g., Fidelity’s FZILX). Adds worldwide balance.

Newbie Hack: Start with an S&P 500 or total market fund for simplicity and growth potential.

Step 3: Make Your First Investment

Now, it’s time to put your money to work:

• Fund Your Account: Transfer as little as $1–$100 to get started.
• Buy Your Fund: Search for your chosen fund (e.g., VOO at Vanguard) and hit “buy.”
• Automate It: Set up automatic investments—like $50 a month—to grow your wealth effortlessly.

Quick Links:

• Invest with Vanguard
• Trade with Fidelity
• Start with Schwab

Why Index Funds Are a Smart Choice

• Lower Risk: Diversification cushions you from single-stock disasters.
• Tax-Friendly: Fewer trades mean fewer taxable events.
• Long-Term Gains: With the market’s historical 7–10% annual return, index funds are a retirement-building powerhouse.

Risks to Keep in Mind

No investment is bulletproof. Here’s what to watch:

• Market Swings: When the market dips, so does your fund. But history shows it bounces back.
• No Big Wins: You won’t beat the market—but for most, matching it is a win.

Tips for Index Fund Success

• Invest Regularly: Use dollar-cost averaging to smooth out market highs and lows.
• Diversify Further: Add international or bond funds as your portfolio grows.
• Stay the Course: Don’t panic-sell during downturns. Long-term investors win by holding steady.

Real-Life Success Story: Sarah’s $240,000 Nest Egg

Meet Sarah, a 30-year-old teacher who invested $200 a month in an S&P 500 index fund. After 30 years, her $72,000 in contributions ballooned to over $240,000—thanks to the market’s average 7% return. No stock-picking, no stress—just consistent investing through platforms like Fidelity or Vanguard.

Start Your Investment Journey Today

Index funds are your beginner-friendly path to low-cost, reliable wealth-building. Sign up with a trusted brokerage like Vanguard, Fidelity, or Charles Schwab, pick a fund, and start with as little as $50 a month. The sooner you begin, the more time your money has to grow. Take that first step now—your future self will thank you!

The Reincarnated Young Girl Is Adored by the Spirits She Helped in Her Previous Life

While being held, I ask the king,

“What’s with the sudden summons? Grandpa told me to come this morning, and it was such a hassle.”

“Sorry about that. I just really wanted to see you.”

“I see. Well, I guess there’s nothing I can do about that. But why was grandpa in such a place?”

“I wanted to secretly see Luria.”

“Is that so?”

If that’s the case, I guess it can’t be helped.

“Grandpa, you’re quite different from what I heard.”

“Oh, and what exactly did you hear about me?”

“That you’re terribly scary.”

When I said that, the high-ranking officials turned pale.

But the king laughed cheerfully.

“Hahaha! Is that so? And how did you find me after meeting in person?”

“You seem kind. You resemble Tou-sama.”

“Is that so? Similar to Graf, huh? I am gentle with Luria.”

“I see… Oh, and could you also be nice to Sara-chan?”

“Of course. Both Sara and Luria are my benefactors. Chamberlain, please call Sara as well.”

“At once.”

“Oh, I almost forgot. Call Graf, Amalia, and Baroness Didia too.”

“At once.”

Afterward, while stroking my head, the king’s expression darkened.

“…There was someone who said something unforgivable about our dear Luria, wasn’t there?”

With that, the king glared at each minister in turn.

The ministers who had been gossiping behind my back were now pale and rigid with fear.

“Chamberlain. What did you say?”

The man addressed as Chamberlain by the king was the one who had called me morally corrupt.

“Eh… ah, yes. I said… she is an extremely adorable princess!”

“No, that’s not right. Are you planning to deceive me with lies? Speak honestly.”

Under the king’s glare, the already pale Chamberlain grew even paler, sweating profusely and darting his eyes around nervously.

“N-no… I…”

“Are you trying to hide something from me? What is it? Could it be you hold rebellious intentions?”

“N-no, never!”

“Then speak quickly. Surely you understand the consequences of lying at this point, Chamberlain?”

Under the king’s stern gaze, the Chamberlain seemed to resign himself and tremblingly opened his mouth.

“……I said her moral core… is rotten.”

“Whose moral core?”

“Princess Luria’s, but it was all a misunderstanding! I only repeated rumors, which, of course, is shameful, but it wasn’t my true intention! My real intent was to continue by saying that despite those rumors, she seems very intelligent and compassionate! That was no lie, and after seeing the princess myself, I became convinced of it! I deeply regret speaking ill of the princess and am prepared to accept any punishment.”

The Chamberlain prostrated himself and spoke rapidly in a loud voice.

A brief pause followed.

“Is that so, Chamberlain? That is your view?”

“Yes!”

“And what about the rest of you?”

The king looked around at the other ministers.

“We completely agree!” “Yes, she is indeed a compassionate princess…”

“To call her morally corrupt is an insult, and anyone who says such things should be ashamed!”

The ministers all echoed similar sentiments.

“Indeed. Luria’s moral core isn’t rotten at all.”

“Yes! That is absolutely correct!”

“She is compassionate, intelligent, and wise beyond her five years. A treasure of the royal family.”

“Yes! From the bottom of my heart, I believe so too!”

The Chamberlain remained prostrate.

“Sh―”

Before I could suggest forgiving them, the king raised a finger to his lips, signaling me to stay silent for now.

“Were there others besides the Chamberlain?”

“……”

The ministers fell deathly silent.

“Minister of Internal Affairs. What did you say about Luria?”

“I-I…”

“There’s no need to remind you, but surely you know the consequences of lying.”

“……Her red hair… resembles the Witch of Calamity.”

“Oh? This Luria’s hair? Resembles the Witch of Calamity?”

“N-no, Your Majesty! Please forgive me! Though it’s said the Witch of Calamity had red hair, what I meant was that the princess’s hair is stunningly beautiful! I intended to say that anyone who calls her the Witch of Calamity must be blind!”

Like the Chamberlain, the Minister of Internal Affairs knelt and hastily defended himself.

“Is that so, Minister of Internal Affairs? And what do the rest of you think?”

Once again, the king surveyed the ministers.

“That is absolutely correct!”

“To liken the princess to the Witch of Calamity is preposterous!”

“If anyone dares say such things, they must have corrupted eyes!”

The king listened to their flattery with an impassive expression.

“Minister of Internal Affairs. There’s still something I want to ask you.”

“Anything, Your Majesty!”

Still prostrate, the Minister braced himself as the king spoke in a cold tone.

“Didn’t you separate Baroness Didier from Luria?”

“N-never!”

“Why would you leave a five-year-old child alone to meet with the king? What was your intention?”

“It was a misunderstanding! We were finalizing details about the baronial succession…”

“Then why are you here? Shouldn’t you be discussing that with Baroness Didier?”

“……I apologize…”

The king sighed in exasperation.

“Most likely, you wanted to humiliate Luria. Who ordered you to do it?”

“……I never intended to humiliate her… It was merely a moment of foolishness… I acted on my own.”

“Do not do it again.”

“As you command.”

The king then patted my head.

“If Luria had failed, your head would literally have rolled.”

“I will remember this lesson! I swear never to do it again.”

“Luria happens to be an exceptionally clever child, which is why it didn’t become an issue. Be grateful.”

“Y-yes! Thank you, Princess Luria.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Thank you… How merciful…”

The Minister of Internal Affairs, still kneeling, replied tearfully.

“Next, the Chancellor.”

“I swear upon my honor, I have not spoken ill of the princess.”

“I know. You were silently smirking while looking at Luria, weren’t you?”

“Smirking?! I was simply smiling because she’s such a lovely princess!”

“I understand the feeling of smiling when looking at Luria.”

“Yes, exactly!”

The relieved-looking Chancellor was met with another piercing glare from the king.

“But why did you separate Duke Valoa and his wife from Luria?”

“W-we were finalizing the arrangements for the audience…”

“So you’re saying the same thing as the Minister of Internal Affairs? Dare I ask if you were the one who gave him the order?”

“N-never!”

“It would be best to speak honestly. The investigation has already been conducted, and I detest lies.”

“……I apologize.”

“For what purpose?”

“……I unwisely thought to test what kind of person the princess might be.”

In truth, he probably wanted to embarrass her but changed his wording slightly, fearing the king’s wrath.

“I see. So you tested her. Do not do it again.”

“As you command.”

The king then looked around at the ministers once more.

“Well, many reckless individuals were involved, but I am fully aware of everything.”

At the king’s words, the ministers trembled.

The Chamberlain and the Minister of Internal Affairs were still prostrate.

“I could punish all of you. No, perhaps I should.”

Those who had gossiped about me shook with fear. Even those who hadn’t gossiped but nodded along or smiled in agreement were terrified.

Unsure of how far the punishment would extend, the ministers were deeply frightened.

“Luria, what should we do?”

“Hmm? Mmm?”

The king smiled.

“You may decide.”

At the king’s words, the ministers looked at me pleadingly.

“Should I forgive them?”

“Are you sure? Despite all the terrible things they said?”

The king feigned exaggerated surprise.

“It’s fine… They apologized, right?”

“Ah! Luria is truly merciful.”

“Really? I don’t think they said anything that bad.”

“How magnanimous! You lot, consider yourselves spared by a thread. Thank Luria.”

“Thank you very much!”

The ministers bowed their heads in unison.

“Chamberlain. Minister of Internal Affairs. You may rise.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Finally receiving the king’s forgiveness, the two stood up.

“The fact that you’re alive is thanks to Luria. Remember that.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Chamberlain and the Minister of Internal Affairs knelt before me, tears streaming down their faces, and thanked me profusely.

“Don’t worry about it. Let’s get along, okay?”

“Such gracious words!” “Such undeserved kindness for lowly beings like us!”

As the ministers bowed their heads, the Chamberlain and the Minister of Internal Affairs knelt and cried, the chamberlain entered.

He whispered into the king’s ear.

“Duke Valoa and his wife, Baroness Didier, and her heir have arrived.”

“Mm, let them in.”

The doors to the audience chamber opened.

“Eh? Your Majesty, what is this situation?”

My father, mother, Sara, and Marion had arrived.

For a brief moment, my father’s face twisted as he saw me sitting on the king’s lap.