*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:

• Invest with Vanguard
• Trade with Fidelity
• Start with Schwab

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!

I Quit Being a Court Magician Apprentice to Become a Magical Item Craftsman

“Stop it…! Just stop already, I’ll send them back to hell!! The messenger has arrived, hasn’t he…?”

“You really are stupid. You’re the one who said to let me kill as much as I wanted! Are you trying to ruin my fun?”

The male sorcerer was being dragged by the scruff of his neck, forced to witness the massacre. He wept as he begged, but in response, a blast of magic struck a building, destroying it along with the people inside—just to make an example.

“They were… attacking Fen Principality…”

“Humans are all the same to us. You’re the ones who decided those borders. Why should I obey them?”

“Ugh… but… we’ve already killed enough…”

The sorcerer hung his head weakly.

“You sure have a lot of opinions for someone in your position. It’s boring.”

With a sickening slash, the demon stabbed his contractor’s foot.

Blood sprayed from the drawn blade.

“Aaaaghhh…!! If I don’t kill, if I don’t kill, the contract…!!”

“When I say I won’t kill, that doesn’t mean I won’t attack at all. You don’t get it, huh?”

The demon muttered in annoyance, gazing off into the distance.

The sorcerer trembled, clutching his injured foot. No matter how much pressure he applied, the bleeding wouldn’t stop.

“…He’s here. It’s him, after all. Let’s have some fun with him last…! I’ve always hated that guy…!!”

“W-what are you planning this time… Paimon!?”

“Why don’t you drink a potion or something? We’ll be moving soon. Humans die easily when they lose too much blood, don’t they?”

Coldly looking down at the sobbing sorcerer, the demon king Paimon walked into a nearby shop. Ignoring the terrified clerk cowering in the corner, he casually took a potion from the shelf.

He tossed it to the sorcerer, gesturing for him to drink. If the contractor died, the contract’s effects would be nullified. That meant until he formed a new contract, Paimon wouldn’t be able to use his full power.

The sorcerer fumbled to open the potion with trembling hands. Maybe death would be better, but the thought of dying terrified him. Whether Paimon knew or simply didn’t care, the demon king struck a street tree with a magic-infused hand chop.

“Relax, once I’m done, I’ll leave. First, your request—the Fen Principality, right? And the main event…”

With a loud crack, the tree split, its trunk snapping as it crashed to the ground. Branches shuddered, leaves rustling violently.

“…Wait for me! If I could, I’d strangle you to death myself, Belial…!!”

The thick tree had been broken effortlessly with bare hands. People on the street held their breath, halting their steps, watching the young man’s actions with terror.

A chilling laughter echoed through the silent town, reaching up into the sky.

(□□□—Following is from Iriya ’s perspective)

Castais and Yvette arrived.

“Iriya ! What happened with that elixir!?”

Yvette, with her short black hair and crimson eyes, rushed up to me. A sword hung at her waist.

“It should be a proper elixir… Did it not work?”

“It’s the opposite—it worked too well! There’s no way to cover that up… Though, thankfully, they didn’t press the issue at the time.”

“It was shocking. His leg regenerated in just ten seconds,” Castais said with a wry smile. He had blue-gray hair tied back, navy eyes, and a white long vest that suited him well.

These two were A-rank adventurers from the maritime nation to whom I had entrusted the elixir.

“As expected of Master, an incredible creation!”

Sebirino always jumps in when the conversation turns to this.

“By the way, that ‘teacher’ of yours… He’s apparently the mentor of the head sorcerer of the defense city. We got a direct inquiry from them wanting to thank you—how should we handle it?”

Since we took the request through the Adventurers’ Guild, it was easy to find out who accepted it.

“Oh, if it’s Baraha-sama. It’s fine to tell them; they already know I can make elixirs.”

“You know the head sorcerer!?”

Castais raised his voice in surprise.

“Yes, I’ve been to the defense city a few times.”

“Why would an item craftsman even go to a place like that…?”

Yeah, I guess it’s not a place most people visit. The first time I went was because…

“Uh… I happened to be hunting a Fire Drake at the time…?”

“You know what, never mind. I don’t even want to know. The scale of this is too big; it’s just whatever now.”

Castais stopped me. Seems Yvette wasn’t really looking for an answer. If I explained everything, it’d turn into a big deal.

“A Fire Drake, huh? I’d love to go dragon hunting with you again, Master!”

Sebirino, as always, had no sense of the atmosphere.

“We’ll be based in this town for a while, so if you need us, just put in a request at the Adventurers’ Guild. Not that you seem like you’d need a bodyguard.”

“Thank you. Please don’t overwork yourselves.”

“Thanks, but that’s not the kind of thing you say to adventurers,” Castais said with a wave, before the two of them left.

Now then

“Sebirino, I’m going to bring souvenirs to Alesia and Kiara.”

“Have a safe trip.”

I headed to their stall for the first time in a while.

Since they had customers, I waited a bit until they were gone before speaking.

“I’m back, you two. I brought some souvenirs.”

“Welcome back, Iriya ! Thank you, as always!”

“Iriya -oneechan, this time you went to the land of Dre, but last time you went to the sea, right? What’s the ocean like?”

Since the Kingdom of Chenkaslar is inland, most people have never seen the sea. I left soon after my visit, but it seems Kiara was curious about it. It’s hard to explain such a grand sight to someone who’s never seen it.

“The ocean is an endless expanse of salt water beyond soft sandy shores, with waves constantly rolling in. When the sunrise or sunset reflects on the water, it’s incredibly beautiful. And the sky looks so vast.”

I handed them their souvenirs as I talked about the sea.

“The entire thing is water… I can’t even imagine it.”

Kiara looked enchanted.

“And this is my souvenir this time. I couldn’t buy anything in Nijestonia, but I stopped by the herb market in the Wastent Republic.”

“The herb market is famous! I’d love to go there one day!”

Alesia was more interested in the herb market. As expected of an item crafter.

I handed them medicinal herbs and Dead Sea salt as souvenirs, and gave Kiara some sweets. In the Kingdom of Egdoarm, sugar was expensive because it was entirely imported, while salt was abundant. But in Chenkaslar, which has no sea, the opposite is true. Salt is a precious gift.

“Just like with the sea, now you’re even giving us salt! Thank you so much!”

“Iriya -oneechan, thank you as always!”

Kiara smiled brightly as she thanked me and handed me a white cotton handkerchief as a gift in return.

“Thank you, this is…”

“I embroidered it myself. I worked hard on it! Isn’t it pretty?”

Kiara puffed out her chest proudly. It was a beautifully stitched floral pattern, carefully sewn with colorful threads.

“It’s absolutely lovely! You’re amazing, so skillful!”

“I’m good at sewing and stuff. Leave it to me!”

Maybe I should actually ask her to mend something for me sometime. I can manage simple button sewing, but…

“Oh, Iriya . You really helped us the other day. Our leader has recovered.”

It was Esme, the bob-haired mage. Alongside her was Leni, the healer with reddish-brown braided hair. They were part of a D-rank adventurer group I met when I first came to this town. Previously, their leader, Leon, had been poisoned, and I treated him together with my apprentice, Annika.

“You’ve been traveling all over, haven’t you? You still seem as busy as ever, but make sure to get some rest.”

“Thank you. I plan to stay in Renant for a while, but urgent requests always come up.”

“Of course they do. Requests come in suddenly.”

A male voice interrupted.

When I turned around, I saw a large adventurer in his thirties, with dark brown hair and black eyes, clad in armor. He stood with his hands resting behind his head.

“The more famous you get, the more it happens.”

Beside him stood a man with short, pointed ears—likely a half-elf—who had pale golden hair tied at the back, fair skin, and strikingly deep blue eyes.

“Nordine, Rendahl! It’s been a while!”

“We’ve been working in Renant since then. Right now, the most dangerous area in this country is near the border with the Fen Principality. We’re keeping watch as well.”

By “since then,” Rendahl must have meant when we participated in the exchange project with the Norsanus Empire. They had taken on guard duty at the time.

Renant is the first major town you reach if you travel straight north from the Fen Principality along the highway.

“Uh, um… You two are A-rank adventurers, right? Are you friends with Iriya ?”

Leni timidly asked, and Nordine grinned.

“We’re friends! You’re adventurers too, right? If you ever need help, just ask.”

“Friends…? That’s amazing, Iriya .”

Esme praised me honestly. That’s rare. I guess higher-ranking adventurers are aspirational figures.

“By the way, Iriya , did you come to this stall for something?”

Rendahl asked while glancing at the displayed goods.

“Alesia, who runs this stall, was my first friend in this country. She even sells some of my potions. Please take care of her, both of you.”

“Ah, I’m Alesia. This is my sister, Kiara. It’s nice to meet you.”

The two stiffened nervously and bowed their heads.

“Leave it to me! If anyone gives you trouble, just let me know, and I’ll beat them up!”

“This is kind of strange.”

“What is?”

Esme caught my muttered words and looked at me.

“Nordine actually seems reliable.”

“He’s A-rank! Of course he’s reliable!!”

Leni’s braid swayed as she spoke.

Nordine made a troubled face, as if wondering how I had viewed him before, while Rendahl laughed and elbowed him playfully.

Well, Nordine always seemed like a bit of a jokester to me.