*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:
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!
Defected Dark Healer’s Rise to Wealth
【Side: Hero】
Ares was terrified.
Ever since he learned of the existence of the mythic-level Dark Heel, the warmth in his memories of Artemis—like her lingering body heat—had gradually grown cold, as if it were a corpse losing the breath of life.
When Hades spoke about Artemis, there was an unsettling lack of emotion, almost as though he was certain that Artemis was already dead… Ares couldn’t bring himself to delve deeper into it.
So for now, he decided to proceed step by step, without rushing.
He kept telling himself to execute each operation one at a time, to invade the demon kingdom once more and wait patiently for the chance to rescue Artemis…
And yet,
“Not a lie.”
The man before him, Kiwi Alaya , spoke with the same casualness as someone discussing the weather, calmly driving home a horrifying reality.
“We’ve buried her according to the kingdom’s customs. If you wish for the return of the body, we can raise it as a topic during the post-war peace conference.”
It was clear that his words weren’t lies or provocations.
His dispassionate demeanor, devoid of any interest or energy, resembled that of a priest reading from a templated condolence letter.
He was simply stating facts as they were.
There was no reason for him to lie.
Even without saying it outright, Kiwi Alaya ‘s face might as well have been written with that truth.
“Though, I should warn you that her body has likely deteriorated quite a bit by now. After all, the soil in the demon kingdom is somewhat… unique. Human flesh decomposes much faster due to bacteria compared to normal conditions.”
“Shut up.”
A low voice, so deep it barely sounded like his own, escaped from Ares’ throat.
Ares had slain countless monsters and demons throughout his journey.
While there was killing intent behind those actions, hatred had rarely ever accompanied them.
But this time, here and now, it was different.
“You… are the one I will kill.”
Hatred.
A clear, burning hatred began consuming Ares’ heart, eclipsing even his sorrow.
– For Ares, Artemis was a special woman.
They hadn’t shared a romantic relationship.
After all, Artemis never swayed toward Hero Ares.
She was a holy maiden who had devoted her entire life to the gods, so it was only natural she wouldn’t pursue physical intimacy. That’s why the time spent with her as a companion—time far more precious than moments spent with women who could easily be seduced with a simple call in town—meant everything to him.
Artemis cared deeply for her comrades.
Though twisted and cunning at times.
Artemis loved humanity.
She persecuted only a handful of magic users—few enough to count on both hands.
Artemis trusted wholeheartedly.
She placed her faith in Ares, the hero granted special powers and the holy sword.
…And now, I…
“Kiwi Alaya aaaaa!”
Ares raised his holy sword high and charged at Kiwi, aiming to cleave his head in two.
That singular thought consumed his mind.
However,
“The flow of your swordsmanship has regressed to its earlier form, Hero Ares.”
The female knight guarding Kiwi skillfully parried Ares’ strike and unleashed a flurry of rapid slashes, carving through Ares’ body.
Blood sprayed violently, painting Ares’ vision red.
But,
“Guh… Gwoooohhh!”
He didn’t fall.
Ares screamed.
With every ounce of strength left in him.
…Sometimes, it isn’t until something is completely lost that you realize its true value.
That realization leaves behind a void—a hole that cannot be filled.
But it must be filled.
Because the emptiness left behind is unbearable, far more painful than any physical wound.
“Get out of my way, female knight!”
Ignoring the slashes aimed at him, Ares swung his holy sword horizontally, even as his shoulder was torn apart by the knight’s blade.
Clang!
Sparks flew wildly.
The impact she couldn’t fully deflect sent the female knight flying backward.
Though she blocked the blow with her weapon and seemed unharmed, none of that mattered to Ares now.
All he wanted was Kiwi Alaya !
“…It seems you aren’t even seeing your opponent clearly, Hero Ares.”
The cold voice of the female knight rang out.
“Foolish. Do not think your pitiful sword can reach my lord.”
“Shut up! Just move aside…!”
Through bloodshot eyes, Ares glared at Kiwi Alaya .
…I’ll fill this hole in my chest. With hatred stronger than any other emotion I’ve ever felt.
【Side: Hades】
“Ahh, well… this is quite troubling…”
Perched on a thick branch of a towering tree, Hades sat with his sniper rifle resting on his knees. The scope was trained on his target.
Two hundred meters away stood Kiwi and Ares; six hundred meters further lay the battlefield where Maou Lumac and Sage Maro clashed.
Hades’ divine technique, <Blameless Exposure>, allowed him to peer through obstacles and locate beings imbued with magical power.
His positioning was perfect.
He could fire at any moment… but,
…Everything has unfolded completely outside my expectations.
He had taken up position here some tens of minutes ago.
At that time, Kiwi wasn’t visible on the frontlines.
Naturally, neither was the zombie soldier Hades had intended to snipe.
According to the <advance intelligence>, “Kiwi and his forces will fortify their positions after pushing forward.” Yet…
What do we have here? Urklow , a senior officer of the demon kingdom, carried Kiwi as though she were a mere infant. And what’s worse, Kiwi was seen exchanging friendly conversation with Maou Lumac Ougron.
…Truly, everything has gone beyond my predictions.
“Kiwi Alaya , aren’t you supposed to be an exile? You should’ve stayed in the shadows instead of becoming so conspicuous…”
Clicking his tongue in frustration, Hades ejected the standard rounds from the rifle’s magazine and replaced them with three crimson shells retrieved from his pocket.
Etched onto the tips of these bullets was a specially crafted holy scripture.
– A divine spell triggered by that scripture: <Purification Seal>, highly effective against demons.
Once fired into a demon, it would nullify their magical energy.
Their strength, healing abilities, and all other powers would be stripped away.
Combined with the lethal force of the sniper rifle itself, it could prove fatal to anyone, no matter how powerful.
“The zombie soldier remains absent… Very well. I had no intention of interfering in Ares’ battle, but…”
After loading the rounds, Hades adjusted his aim.
Toward the female knight still locked in combat with Ares.
Her constant movement made targeting difficult, but he had no choice but to wait for a brief pause to take the shot.
“Ahh, perfect timing.”
The female knight stopped moving.
Hades centered her figure within the scope and slowly squeezed the trigger.
