*Web Novel chapter blow*
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!
In order to save the villainous twin sisters from falling into darkness, the mob character worked hard, and as a result, ended up being doted on by both of them.
“Isn’t Touko walking slower than yesterday?”
Saki muttered curiously as they headed toward the school. Walking beside me, she seemed to have picked up on something unusual.
“Huh, really…?”
I tried to brush it off, but the truth was, my fractured ankle was throbbing painfully. It was probably because I’d walked too much yesterday, trekking through unfamiliar paths around the school and outdoors. Plus, sleeping on the floor last night didn’t help—my whole body felt stiff and creaky.
“I don’t think so? Maybe you’re just walking too fast, Saki-chan?”
Soyoka, walking alongside us, didn’t seem to notice any change in me. Even sisters see things differently, I suppose.
“No, she’s definitely slower. Her body leans more when she puts weight on her right foot compared to yesterday. Are you sure you’re not in pain?”
“…Uh, well, um…”
What an eye for detail. Her sharp observation felt almost like she was reading my mind, sending a chill down my spine.
“Touko, stop hiding it. Lying about your condition isn’t doing you any favors.”
Her gaze pierced straight through me. Knowing she could see through my excuses made me want to bolt on the spot…
“Maybe just a little?”
I mumbled reluctantly, trying to downplay it. I couldn’t lie outright, but I didn’t want to admit the full extent either. It was a weak, half-hearted dodge.
“So it *does* hurt. You shouldn’t push yourself anymore.”
“No, really, it’s fine…”
If I used my crutches to take the weight off, it wasn’t too bad. It only hurt when I stepped on it, but I could manage if I was careful.
“I’m telling you, it’s *not* fine. Soyoka, take Touko’s bag and crutches.”
“Huh? Sure, but…”
“Wait, don’t strip me bare!”
My protests fell on deaf ears as Saki swiftly took my school bag and crutches without a second thought. With nothing to lean on, the strain on my right ankle grew worse.
“Ow, that stings…”
“See? Even just standing hurts now, and it didn’t yesterday.”
Maybe I’d gotten too cocky, thinking I was healed, and overdone it. My carefree attitude had come back to bite me.
“Even so, taking my crutches like that… Are you secretly a sadist, Saki?”
She seemed worried, but this felt a bit harsh. Did she find my struggling funny or something?
“N-No way! I’m not *that* mean!”
Flustered, Saki quickly denied it, then crouched down and turned her back to me.
“…Nice back?”
Unsure what she wanted, I threw out a compliment for lack of anything better to say.
“That’s not it! I mean, get on my back!”
But seriously, how often does a girl offer to carry you? I was at a complete loss for words.
“Can I lose some weight first?”
Honestly, the idea of her feeling my full weight bothered me more than the pain itself.
“Stop saying weird stuff and just get on already!”
She snapped at me. Still, I felt awful making her go this far. I could tough out the pain myself—I didn’t want to burden her with it.
“But if the other students see us, it’ll be embarrassing…”
I pictured being carried to school by a classmate—something I’d never witnessed before. I didn’t have the guts to shrug off the stares; my face would probably turn bright red from the shame.
“Fine, I’ll carry you until we’re close to the school. Until then, it’s better to avoid straining your body. Once we get there, we’re heading straight to the infirmary.”
“Yeah, forcing yourself and making it worse isn’t a good idea, you know?”
“…Okay.”
The Futami sisters left me no choice. Somehow, the vibe made it feel like letting Saki carry me was the only right answer…
“Then, um, please… but seriously, put me down when we get near the school, okay?”
It wasn’t just the embarrassment—I really didn’t want to trouble Saki too much.
“I got it, now come on, hurry up.”
Still, she rushed me along. Following her instructions, I leaned onto her back. Up close, it felt slender and delicate. I wrapped my arms around her neck, and she slowly stood up.
“See? You’re not heavy at all.”
“…I don’t need your polite lies.”
“You’re so stubborn.”
It had to be thanks to Saki’s strong, graceful legs. Her back didn’t wobble even slightly—it was perfectly steady. For someone so slim to carry another person so effortlessly felt a little unfair.
“Alright, let’s go.”
As she started walking, her milk tea-brown hair swayed softly. The morning breeze carried her scent to me—a crisp, citrusy fragrance.
“Saki, you smell nice.”
“W-Wha—What…!?”
For the first time, her back wobbled. That was scary.
“Saki, could you maybe stay calm?”
“Whose fault is that!?”
Was it mine? I mean, when you’re this close, noticing her scent feels pretty natural… right?
“Wait, do I smell bad or something?”
No, I’d just showered, so I should be fine… but I did break out in a cold sweat from the pain earlier, so maybe I was off? What if her wobble was because she caught a whiff of me? Oh no, maybe I should ask her to put me down.
“No way! You smell like vanilla—it’s nice!”
Vanilla was the scent of my body cream. So she could smell me too. That’s kind of…
“…”
“…”
“You two confessing how nice you smell is great and all, but do you realize how awkward this is for me, stuck here with you?”
Soyoka broke the weird silence, diffusing the tension. Even so, the embarrassment burned on. Saki’s back steadied again.
“But if we both think the other smells nice, doesn’t that mean we’re compatible?”
“…Yeah, maybe.”
It was just a hunch, but it didn’t feel entirely wrong. Saki kept walking without a hint of breathlessness, even chatting casually. Her stamina was unreal.
“Saki, you’re not just cute—you’re cool too.”
“…Wha!?”
Her back wobbled again. Maybe cuteness and coolness don’t mix after all.
“Touko, stop saying weird things! I can’t walk straight!”
“I don’t think I said anything weird…”
But as the one being carried, I didn’t have much room to argue. Right now, I had no choice but to trust her.
“Hey, I’m starting to feel left out here…”
Soyoka puffed out her cheeks, looking sulky. I felt bad since she was stuck carrying my bag and crutches.
“Want to switch, Soyoka?”
“You know I can’t—that’s mean, Saki-chan.”
Soyoka puffed her cheeks even more. It seemed Saki was the more athletic one.
“See, Touko? I can step up when it counts. Even if I’m clumsy, there are things I can do.”
For some reason, Saki kept seeking my approval.
“Yeah, Saki, you’re amazing.”
I didn’t have the strength to carry someone or her bold confidence. Her personality—Futami Saki—shone through purely and brightly.
“Hehe, right? Right?”
Her steps were light and airy, almost like she was dancing.
