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Chapter 13

Where?

Are you referring to a regular female knight, or a trash-tier female knight?


…To put it simply, I had a tear-jerkingly brutal past… But I still can’t forgive Flau for saying, “Isn’t this just divine punishment for being a petty thief?”

I return my consciousness to Julia’s lab.
Of course, I hadn’t told her about that past, so Julia was already standing at a distance, averting her eyes from me.

“Hmm… As expected, I don’t understand much. Well, I suppose I shouldn’t expect to uncover your secrets so easily. After all, you are one of the Demon King’s strongest Four Heavenly Kings.”

As she spoke, Julia turned back toward me.

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How to Invest in Index Funds for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide

Investing can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. With so many options available, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. But there’s one investment strategy that stands out for its simplicity, low cost, and proven track record: index fund investing. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly way to grow your wealth over time, index funds are a great place to start.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about index funds—what they are, why they’re ideal for beginners, and how to get started. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to begin your investment journey.

What Are Index Funds?

An index fund is a type of mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the performance of a specific market index, such as the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Instead of trying to pick individual stocks, index funds aim to replicate the performance of the entire market or a specific sector.

For example, if you invest in an S&P 500 index fund, your money is spread across the 500 largest companies in the U.S. This means you’re not betting on a single stock but on the overall growth of the market.

Why Index Funds Are Perfect for Beginners

Index funds are often recommended for beginners because they offer several key advantages:

  • Diversification: With one investment, you gain exposure to hundreds of companies, reducing the risk of losing money if one stock performs poorly.
  • Low Costs: Index funds typically have lower fees than actively managed funds because they don’t require a team of analysts to pick stocks.
  • Simplicity: You don’t need to be a stock market expert to invest in index funds. They’re a “set it and forget it” strategy that works well for long-term investors.
  • Proven Performance: Over time, index funds have consistently outperformed many actively managed funds, making them a reliable choice for building wealth.

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

Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps to begin investing in index funds.

Step 1: Choose a Brokerage Account

To invest in index funds, you’ll need a brokerage account. A brokerage is a platform that allows you to buy and sell investments. Some popular options for beginners include:

  • Vanguard: Known for its low-cost index funds and user-friendly platform.
  • Fidelity: Offers a wide range of index funds with no minimum investment requirements.
  • Charles Schwab: Provides excellent customer service and a variety of investment options.

When choosing a brokerage, look for one with low fees, a good selection of index funds, and an easy-to-use interface.

Step 2: Select the Right Index Fund

Once you have a brokerage account, it’s time to choose an index fund. Here are a few popular options:

  • S&P 500 Index Funds: Tracks the 500 largest U.S. companies. Great for broad market exposure.
  • Total Stock Market Index Funds: Includes small, mid, and large-cap stocks for even more diversification.
  • International Index Funds: Invests in companies outside the U.S., helping you diversify globally.

For beginners, an S&P 500 or total stock market index fund is often the best starting point.

Step 3: Make Your First Investment

After selecting your index fund, it’s time to invest. Decide how much you want to start with—many brokerages allow you to begin with as little as $100. You can also set up automatic contributions to invest a fixed amount each month, which is a great way to build wealth over time.

Benefits of Index Fund Investing

Index funds offer several benefits that make them an attractive option for both new and experienced investors:

  • Lower Risk: By diversifying across many companies, you reduce the risk of losing money on a single stock.
  • Tax Efficiency: Index funds tend to have lower turnover, meaning fewer taxable events compared to actively managed funds.
  • Long-Term Growth: Historically, the stock market has returned about 7-10% annually over the long term, making index funds a solid choice for retirement or other long-term goals.

Risks to Consider

While index funds are generally considered low-risk compared to individual stocks, they’re not without their downsides:

  • Market Volatility: Index funds follow the market, so if the market drops, so does your investment. However, history shows that markets recover over time.
  • No Chance to Beat the Market: Since index funds track the market, you won’t outperform it. But for most investors, matching the market is a solid strategy.

Tips for Long-Term Success with Index Funds

To make the most of your index fund investments, keep these tips in mind:

  • Stay Consistent: Invest regularly, even if it’s a small amount. This strategy, known as dollar-cost averaging, helps smooth out market fluctuations.
  • Diversify: Consider adding international or bond index funds to your portfolio as you grow your investments.
  • Avoid Panic Selling: Market dips are normal. Stay the course and avoid selling during downturns.

Real-Life Success Story: The Power of Index Funds

Take the story of Sarah, a 30-year-old teacher who started investing $200 a month in an S&P 500 index fund. Over 30 years, with an average annual return of 7%, her investment grew to over $240,000. This simple, consistent approach allowed her to build a substantial nest egg without needing to pick individual stocks or time the market.

Conclusion: Start Your Investment Journey Today

Index funds offer a simple, low-cost way to start investing and build long-term wealth. By following the steps outlined in this guide—choosing a brokerage, selecting the right fund, and investing consistently—you can take control of your financial future.

Ready to take the next step? Open a brokerage account today and make your first investment in an index fund. Your future self will thank you!

Are you referring to a regular female knight, or a trash-tier female knight?

Are you referring to a regular female knight, or a trash-tier female knight?

あなたが拾ったのは普通の女騎士ですか? それともゴミクズ系女騎士ですか?
Score 10
Status: Ongoing Type: Author: Released: 2025 Native Language: Japanese

Brief Summary:

Main Heroine?: "No, don't kill me! I'll spill all the information about my comrades, just please don't kill me!" Protagonist: "Uh... huh?"

Synopsis:

One of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King’s army, the Dark Knight. His fearsome reputation precedes him, and he is considered humanity's strongest and most evil enemy that must be defeated. "I want to quit..." However, this Dark Knight, who is feared not only by humans but also by demons, is actually a cowardly, good-for-nothing who simply wants to leave the Demon King’s army.
One day, this Dark Knight fights against a female knight from the human army and emerges victorious. Expecting noble and virtuous words from the beautiful female knight as she is cornered, he waits for her to speak. Finally, she opens her mouth: "No, don't kill me! I'll spill all the information about my comrades, just please don't kill me!" "Uh... huh?"
With this unexpected female knight now by his side, the Dark Knight is summoned by one of the Demon King's daughters, who is embroiled in a fierce battle for the throne of succession. Since she has a reputation for being dim-witted, he decides to meet her casually... only to hear her say: "Please make me the Demon King." [(Caught up in a power struggle!?)]

This is the story of a reluctant Dark Knight who, through misunderstandings and self-inflicted misfortune, rises to power despite not wanting any part of it.

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