*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 Culinary Chronicles of the Court Physician: The Disgraced Princess Consumes Poison to Create Medicine

“Ah, actually, about that—I wanted to borrow your wisdom as a shokui (imperial physician). I was just on my way to the harem.”

According to Zhen, ever since arriving at the court of Kok, King Shen had not eaten a single meal.

“Is this country only capable of serving poisoned food?”

With those words, he set down his chopsticks and refused even to share a drink.

No matter how extravagant the meals prepared for him, his attitude remained unchanged, Zhen continued.

“Poison… huh. Could it be that he’s aware of the ‘local poison’?”

“It’s not entirely impossible, but highly unlikely. If he knew about the ‘poison plague,’ there’s no way a king would risk visiting a foreign land.”

A strict gag order was in place regarding the poison plague. Aside from certain officials in the court, the common people had no knowledge of what it truly was, meaning they could not have leaked any information. That said, the fact that Kok was in a state of crisis had likely reached even beyond the continent.

Thinking of the future cast a shadow over the spring blossoms.

“From our side, we must secure the maritime treaty at all costs.”

“What kind of treaty is it?”

“In exchange for exporting grain and other foodstuffs from the continent to Shen, we seek permission for Kok’s trade ships to pass through Shen’s territorial waters.”

Kok had unified the continent, but Shen was said to rule the seas. This was because Shen not only controlled the territorial waters of the Southern Sea but also held dominion over islands rich in gold deposits. It was through these mineral resources that Shen had amassed its wealth and grown into a major power over the past century.

The resources aside, being unable to navigate the Southern Sea was a significant obstacle in expanding trade with the Small Continent.

“Thanks to Diao neglecting state affairs, the economy is stagnating. While it hasn’t yet reached the point of affecting the populace, in my estimation, it’s only a matter of time.”

If the maritime treaty were concluded and trade with the Small Continent flourished, the faltering economy could recover.

“Furthermore, by establishing friendly relations with Shen through this treaty, we can eliminate the threat of an invasion from Shen in advance. Their ancestors were pirates, after all—they have a fondness for conflict. We need to stamp out any embers before they ignite.”

“But at the same time, we can’t make unnecessary concessions just to secure an agreement. If we appear to be groveling to Shen due to Kok’s weakened state after the emperor’s death, it will only make matters worse. To the Small Continent, we must present this as Kok growing even stronger through an alliance with Shen.”

Even if it was just a bluff, it was necessary to prevent future conflicts.

“Shen also stands to gain from this treaty. However, they suspect that by opening their sea routes, we might break the agreement and either invade or seize their mineral resources.”

First, they needed to gain Shen’s trust by properly hosting their honored guest and demonstrating that this treaty was indeed one of friendship. But if the banquet—a diplomatic meeting over a meal—remained so tense, building trust would be an uphill battle.

“Without food, one cannot be human.”

That was one of the teachings of Hakutaku.

“Governance is conducted by people. Whether they fight or reconcile, food is the key—”

With good food, harmony follows.

Following that principle, Keirei had overcome countless challenges. If they could convey their sincerity through food, perhaps they could open the tightly shut heart of King Shen.

“Understood. I will prepare the meal.”

Still… something was strange.

According to Consort Xue Mei, seven days had passed since King Shen arrived at the court.

It was impossible that he had gone without food or water for seven days. He may have brought provisions similar to wartime rations, but even then, some level of preparation would be necessary.

“Has anyone from King Shen’s entourage attempted to borrow the palace kitchen?”

“So far, there’s been no such confirmation. Guards are stationed at the palace kitchen, so they likely wouldn’t be able to enter.”

The security around the kitchen was as tight as that of the treasury. If access were too lax, the threat of poisoning would be ever-present.

“King Shen claims that anything prepared in the palace kitchen is inedible—‘all poisoned food,’ he says.”

Keirei fell into deep thought.

King Shen’s hands were severely roughened. If he were a palace maid constantly engaged in cleaning or washing, it would be understandable, but for a man of noble status to have such calloused hands… And his extreme aversion to women’s cosmetics—it might not have been a mere personal preference.

A realization crystallized in Keirei’s mind.

“Check immediately for traces of fire being lit in the courtyard.”

Zhen raised an eyebrow.

“If he refuses to eat anything from the palace kitchen, calling it poisoned food, then… maybe he wasn’t trying to provoke us. Maybe he meant it quite literally.”