*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

Outside the king’s private chambers, there was a beautifully maintained garden.

Surely, it must be a garden for the king to relax.

“Sara, Fox Mask, which do you like better, white or black? You can choose?”

I didn’t choose because I was worried that if we argued over which one was better in front of the king who gave us the masks, it would cause trouble.

“Hmm. Maybe the white one?”

“I see. Black is cool too, but white is nice.”

For a moment, thinking she had been called by name, Kuro emerged from the ground and then disappeared again.

“Then, the white mask is Sara’s!”

“Thank you!”

With the ownership of the masks decided, we began exploring.

“There’s a pond! You shouldn’t swim in it, okay?”

“I won’t swim.”

“Is it shallow?”

The water depth was only up to my knees.

“Even if it were deep, I wouldn’t swim.”

When we first visited the lakeside villa, Sara said she had never swum before.

She probably has some difficulty with swimming.

We sat by the edge of the pond and looked for fish.

“I know. But Luria can swim, right?”

“But Luria hasn’t swum either, right?”

“Yes, but my kicking in the bath is impressive. Da-u always praises me.”

“Is that so?”

“…Ah, there’s a fish! Looks tasty?”

“We’re not going to eat it?”

Perhaps Sara doesn’t like fish.

So, we went around looking at trees.

“This tree has a cool shape, doesn’t it?”

“I don’t understand what makes a shape ‘cool,’ but…”

There were three birds perched on the branches of the tree.

Not only that, but several more birds were perched on other trees. All of them were guardian beasts in bird form.

“It looks easy to climb. Hoist away.”

“Ah, be careful?”

I swiftly climbed the tree.

I climbed up to about twice the height of my father.

“Wow, Luria! But be careful?”

“It’s fine. There are birds here too?”

“Ho-ho.”

The guardian birds perched on the branches pressed their bodies against me.

“Alright, good, good.”

While stroking the birds, I glanced toward the reception room.

“Is that Conrad?”

I saw brat Conrad coming while crying.

“Hmm?”

Since he came out of the reception room where Father and the king were, he must have been scolded.

In other words, he likely came to apologize.

I waited for Conrad on the tree.

Conrad, unaware that he was being watched from above, stopped and wiped his tears with his sleeve.

He was trying to hide that he was crying.

And then he approached Sara.

“Whoa.”

Sara, noticing Conrad, became alert and tensed up.

Conrad, looking around, asked further.

“You, where is that person?”

“You? What do you mean ‘you’? You should watch how you speak.”

I stood up on the tree branch, looked down at Conrad, and spoke.

“Huh? What are you doing up there…?”

Conrad, seeing me up in the tree, seemed flustered for some reason.

“You—”

“Huh? Who are you calling ‘you’? Watch your manners…”

“L, Luria. That—”

“First, state your name!”

“……Agate Viscount Conrad Olivinius Farnese.”

“Hmm. So, Conrad, what do you want?”

I haven’t forgiven Conrad for his previous violent behavior toward Sara.

So, I confronted him with an authoritative attitude.

“I’m sorry for earlier.”

“The person you’re apologizing to is wrong, isn’t it? Conrad.”

When I glared at him, Conrad flinched.

“A, I’m sorry. Sara.”

It seems he knows Sara’s name.

“Um…”

Sara looked up at me in confusion.

To help Sara, I slid down from the tree.

“Conrad! Baron Didier, correct?”

“D, Baron Didier, I’m very sorry.”

“What exactly was wrong?”

“Telling you to leave the palace.”

“That’s right. That was bad of you, Conrad. And?”

“Calling you a beast.”

“That’s right. That was also bad. You aren’t beasts, right?”

“Yes.”

I looked at Sara.

“What do you want to do? Whether you forgive this idiot or not is up to you.”

“…Hmm. I’ll forgive him.”

When Sara said that, Conrad smiled.

“That’s good, isn’t it? Conrad. Be grateful for Sara’s deeper-than-the-sea kindness!”

“Thank you… I really am sorry?”

“It’s okay. Hehe.”

It seems Conrad reflected on his actions. Good.

“Conrad, were you scolded?”

“I was scolded… by my father and… His Majesty… severely… scolded.”

“I see.”

As if remembering, Conrad teared up.

“There, there.”

Maybe feeling sympathy for Conrad, Sara patted his head.

I was surprised by Sara’s kindness.

“…Conrad is still young, after all.”

“Luria is smaller though…”

“Huh?”

“Sorry.”

“Luria may be five years old, but she has more common sense and decency than Conrad.”

“Decency…?”

“The decency to not tell someone you just met to leave or call them filthy, right?”

“Guh.”

I thought for a bit.

I think leaving things as they are with Conrad wouldn’t be good.

“Conrad, you’ll become king in the future, right?”

“…Yeah.”

“Then, you should ask the king to choose the adults around you.”

Since I don’t know whom he’d consider “grandpa,” I referred to the king instead.

“Choose adults?”

“Mm. That guy is no good. Like the one who came in when I scolded you while you were crying in the waiting room.”

This was at least some advice from me.

I might need to inform the king later as well.

“Well then? Reflect on your mistakes and improve? Let’s go, Sara.”

“Okay. See you.”

Kind-hearted Sara waved goodbye to Conrad.

“Ah, Luria.”

Conrad hurriedly called out to stop me.

“What is it?”

“Uh, Luria… are you Lydia’s younger sister?”

“Yeah, why? Luria looks just like her older sister, right?”

Conrad must have met my sister before.

If that’s the case, it’s no surprise that he realized I’m her younger sister since I resemble her.

“…You look nothing alike.”

“Huh?”

“S, sorry, n, never mind.”

Conrad was trembling all over.

He looked like Da-u after tearing apart one of Mother’s favorite outfits in excitement.

Back then, Da-u tucked his tail between his legs and lay on his back, quivering at Mother’s feet.

“So, what about my older sister?”

“Th, that… please don’t tell Lydia about… this time’s… uh…”

Conrad blushed and fidgeted.

Seeing Conrad’s expression, sharp-witted me immediately figured it out.