*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
After a momentary blank in my consciousness—
I found myself in a vast, completely silent space, devoid of all life.
“This is the hollow inside the World Tree.”
Before I could ask, “Where am I?”, a pale green female elf removed her hand from my chest and said that.
“There’s a throne in the back, right? That’s where Marrow usually sits, acting all high and mighty.”
“Haa…”
Still confused by the sudden teleportation, and holding my nose that was still bleeding thanks to that myth-class Dark Heal, I looked around to get a grasp on the situation.
It was a lonely throne room. Not a single soul in sight.
The lone throne stood in stark white with hints of wet red staining the design here and there.
…No. That wasn’t a design.
From the throne’s armrest, drip… drip…
Red droplets were falling.
“The ones who remained here were in the way, so I had them exit.”
The elf said this nonchalantly, then sat down directly on the floor, legs crossed.
“Sit, Kiwi. I’ve long looked forward to having a conversation like this with you.”
“…”
Well, if I’m allowed to sit, then I’ll take her up on that. The headache hasn’t gone away, after all. Better to steady myself.
Following her lead, I sat down too, and—
“Before we chat… I’d like you to tell me why you kidnapped me, Sage of the West—Melissa.”
Her eyes widened slightly, as if surprised.
“Oh? I didn’t expect you to know who I am. That saves some trouble… but how did you find out? Very few have ever seen my face.”
“I didn’t recognize your face.”
“Then how?”
“Someone close to me has been researching the divine art you used to draw me here. That tipped me off.”
“I see. That’s all? How dull.”
Melissa sighed deeply, as though she had lost interest.
“Well, no matter. I didn’t bring you here because I had high hopes for some other ability of yours.”
“‘Other’? Then what you’re after must be—”
“Yes. That Dark Heal! Kiwi Alaya !”
Her eyes sparkled as she leaned forward eagerly.
“You’ve been calling it a myth-class Dark Heal, haven’t you? Indeed, it’s a form of magic that rivals divine arts. Remarkable that someone of the mortal realm has mastered such a technique.”
“I’m honored to hear that.”
“I want that power of yours.”
Melissa looked at me with eyes clear and unclouded, extending her hand.
What exactly did she want me to place in that hand—was it the logic behind the myth-class Dark Heal, or my loyalty?
Either way—
“That’s impossible.”
I said it plainly. Because the truth is—it was impossible.
“That technique only works because it’s Dark Heal. It can’t be applied to holy arts.”
“I know. You wrote in your paper, didn’t you? That while holiness can be inverted into darkness, darkness cannot be inverted into holiness.”
“…!”
She had even read my thesis. Naturally.
How deeply had she investigated me?
Could it be that everything—the hero ambush, Urklow ’s murder, even the use of myth-class Dark Heal through the priests—had all been part of a script?
If so, that’s terrifying.
“Kiwi, leave the Demon Kingdom and join me.”
How many lives had she manipulated just to make that offer?
Melissa’s serene expression never faltered.
“Is there a demon you want to resurrect?”
“Yes. But to be exact, they aren’t a demon. And—they’re not dead. Not yet.”
Her response was more riddle than answer.
I couldn’t begin to guess who it might be, but her intentions were now clear.
She didn’t want to study my power—she wanted to use it as it was.
“Kiwi, I don’t think this is a bad deal for you either. After all, you and I are the same.”
Melissa smiled gently and continued.
“For us, obsession with knowledge is the same as the will to live. As long as we live, we pursue new knowledge. That’s the kind of race we were born into. I can understand you.”
“…”
“I’ll give you whatever you desire. You’ll be free to research anything you want. I’ll provide funding and status. If you want to return to the Kingdom, I’ll make it happen. I have contacts in the Empire too. With me, you can live as anyone, anywhere. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“Yes. Truly a wonderful proposal.”
She wasn’t wrong. It was an incredibly enticing offer.
“A place to do research,” and “unlimited funding”—those are the dream words for any researcher. And if the patron truly understood your work? No researcher could say no.
As a Dark Healer, I felt the same way.
“Now, take my hand, Kiwi Alaya . Form a contract with me.”
Melissa held her hand out to me.
“I swear to support your research without hesitation. In return, you will leave the Demon Kingdom and use that myth-class Dark Heal when I ask. It’s a contract of mutual benefit.”
“And if I refuse?”
“There’s no reason to refuse after hearing all that. But if you insist on declining…”
Whoosh.
The bloodstained throne that had been at the back of the room flew to Melissa’s hand in an instant—then shattered into pieces.
“I’ll have you accept by force. Even if I break four or eight of your limbs, I can heal you without killing you.”
“I see. That’s terrifying.”
So it’s a forced contract—your only choices are “Yes” or “Gladly.”
Another frightening thing was the blood that had soaked the throne—it hadn’t dried completely, and yet not a single drop had landed on Melissa, who was mere inches away.
Just like Marrow, she must be protected by some special sacred art that blocks physical matter.
That’s probably how both Marrow and Melissa can confront enemies unarmored.
“So, Kiwi, now you understand how foolish it would be to refuse?”
“Yes. Of course.”
“Then let us begin the contract.”
“No—I refuse.”
“…What?”
The thin smile faded from Melissa’s face.
Her bewildered eyes silently asked me: “What did you just say?”
“I said I refuse, Lady Melissa.”
I said it again, clearly.
“You’ve misunderstood one thing.”
“…What do you mean?”
“You don’t need to grant me freedom to research.”
So long as I have this brain, that’s all I need.
From childhood to now, I’ve always done things my own way—that’s why they took notice of me.
That’s the kind of Dark Healer I am—Kiwi Alaya .
…Well, the unlimited funding part was pretty tempting though.
