*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
The battle between the hero Ares and Shes was gradually beginning to reach its conclusion.
At first, Shes seemed bewildered by Ares’ desperate sword techniques that grew wilder with each passing moment. But soon, he regained his composure, and it became clear that Ares was no match for him.
“Hmph!”
As Ares swung a heavy attack, Shes crouched down to evade it, causing Ares to lose balance. Then, spinning horizontally like a top in the same direction of the evasion, Shes unleashed a swift strike.
The hero’s thigh was deeply slashed.
However—
“Kill… kill… KILL…!!!”
The fire of battle still burned fiercely in the eyes of Hero Ares.
In fact, it burned even brighter.
But the one he glared at wasn’t Shes—it was me.
“This guy… surpassing pain itself…!”
Shes paused for a few seconds, seemingly contemplating how to respond.
“I’ll use more space. Kiwi-sama, please step back a little further!”
“Ah, understood.”
There was no role for me to play in this fight.
I followed his instructions and created distance between myself and Shes.
Just as Shes leapt towards Ares again—
“What!?”
Suddenly—
Shes, who had been facing Ares, turned toward me as if repelled.
…What?
Impossible. What on earth had happened?
By turning his back defenselessly to Ares—
“Dangerous!!!”
Shes reached out his hand toward me.
No, the one in danger is you, Shes!
Before I could shout those words—
A white light soared through the air.
It left sound behind, shining brilliantly as it flew straight ahead.
The object that passed just barely over the spot where Shes’ head had been moments before was now heading directly toward me.
…What?
Sniping, here in this dark forest?
The mysterious white object turned out to be a small bullet.
It appeared white due to the glow of holy energy, but its actual color was red.
Additionally, I noticed unfamiliar magical engravings etched onto the bullet’s tip.
There’s no reason to use holy magic on me, a mere human.
Then perhaps the real target was Shes?
And it missed, hitting me instead?
“Hmm.”
Still, something felt off.
Why could I see the bullet flying toward me?
Where did this leisurely time for thought come from?
…Ah, I understand. This must be what they call “flashbacks.”
How intriguing.
When faced with death, does an instant stretch out this much?
But even so, it wouldn’t last forever.
—The flashback comes to an end.
Mercilessly, the world resumes its motion.
The white bullet continued on its path toward my chest, about to pierce right through me—
“Grrrroooooaaaarrrrr!!!!!”
But—
Before that happened, someone pushed against my shoulder.
When I realized it, what covered my vision was silver fur.
Someone had rushed to my side faster than the bullet.
With legs swifter than the wind, possessing a sixth sense that foresaw calamity, and a heart stronger and kinder than anyone else’s—her name was Urklow .
Her massive body shielded me.
The impact caused me to fall on my butt.
It hurt.
But it was only the pain of landing on my rear.
There was no agonizing pain from being penetrated by a bullet, and yet I was still alive.
—Thump, thump, thump.
Warm, iron-smelling liquid soaked my body.
Blood.
But it wasn’t coming from my wounds.
“Lady Urklow …?”
Why are you here?
There was no reply.
Urklow , who had collapsed face-first against me, lay unconscious with her eyes and mouth wide open.
On her back was a small, crimson-black bullet wound. From that point, the same pattern engraved on the bullet’s tip began to spread across her silvery fur, corrupting it.
…What is this? Was some special holy magic cast on the bullet? No, such details didn’t matter now.
First, I needed to heal her.
I immediately shifted my focus and touched Urklow ’s face.
But it didn’t take long to realize—
“Lady Urklow has… died.”
Death.
She had already reached a state beyond recovery, no matter how much Dark Heal I channeled into her.
…What tragedy.
Had she sensed my crisis… using that sixth sense unique to her demonic wolf species?
Had she sacrificed herself to protect me?
Did Urklow die in my place?
“Now’s our chance! We have sniper support!”
That shout came from one of the two holy clerics who had been standing by while Hero Ares fought.
And now, they were running straight toward me.
“Kiwi-sama!!!”
Shes tried to rush toward me.
But—clink!—he was blocked by the holy blade swung by Ares.
“Heresy Kiwi Araya!!! You’re under arrest!”
With a firm grip, the approaching clerics seized my head and arms roughly.
Likely wary of <Demon Lightning>, they radiated overwhelming holy energy from their bodies.
Even though they didn’t need to bother—I lacked the mana reserves to neutralize both of them continuously.
“How dare you harm our holy maiden…! Fall into hell!”
One of the clerics drew a knife from their robes.
Yes, that made sense.
Rather than ineffective holy magic or relying on another sniper shot after confirming their presence, close-range stabbing would surely be far more reliable.
But I—
“My apologies, humans.”
I offered my apology to these devout followers of humanity.
“It seems my conscience, confronted with her death, feels no hesitation in offering you all as sacrifices.”
Mana depletion?
If I didn’t have enough of my own, I simply needed to draw upon the life force of the holy ones.
Come.
Be reborn, my comrade-in-arms.
—Mythic-level Dark Heal.
For the second time in my life, I unleashed it once more, this time sacrificing two clerics.
Their souls were filtered into pure power.
After a brief moment of emptiness, a towering pillar of immense black light pierced through the canopy formed by the forest’s branches and leaves.
