*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!
I was reincarnated as bait for the summoned hero
The sea voyage had been mostly smooth.
Occasionally, there were moments of severe rocking, but inside the ‘portable mini-house,’ you couldn’t even hear the sound of the waves, let alone feel the rocking.
We were able to spend our time so leisurely that it didn’t feel like a dangerous sea journey.
While thoroughly enjoying the clean and comfortable home life, the three of them were still diligently doing their work.
Every time they were summoned by the magical bell installed on the second-class cabin door, they rushed to the deck and defeated the sea beasts—monsters of the sea.
Since the waters were close to land, no particularly large sea beasts had appeared yet.
The most common ones were Sahagins. They were feared as merfolk by the men of the sea, but with Japanese aesthetics, they could hardly be recognized as mermaids.
“Rather than mermaids, they’re more like… fishmen.”
“Yeah. Their upper body is fish-like, and their lower body is human. Not cute at all, just ferocious.”
“But, the treasure chests they drop are a real jackpot.”
Akihito’s comment drew big nods from Haruka and Haruto.
“That’s right! Treasure chests, after all—what can be more exciting?”
“It’s strange how they drop treasure chests even though they’re not dungeon monsters.”
Yes, when Sahagins are defeated, they drop treasure chests. Since this isn’t a dungeon, their corpses remain where they fall, but for some reason, a treasure chest appears beside them.
“Tohma said he thinks the treasure chest is part of the Sahagin’s storage skill,” Natsuki explained.
“Storage skill?”
Haruto tilted his head quizzically, while Natsuki nodded knowingly. She took out one of the treasure chests dropped by the Sahagin from her [Item Box].
“So, this treasure chest is the Sahagin’s storage container. That explains why it was packed with so many treasures.”
“It was stuffed full of seafood…”
“I thought it might be a magical item, but if the treasure chest itself is part of the Sahagin’s skill, then it makes sense that it appears the moment they die.”
The Sahagin’s treasure chest was about the size of two palms.
It was made of wood, and at first glance, it looked no different from a child’s toy box.
However, inside, it contained an abundance of seafood.
Like the [Item Box], time seemed to stop within the chest, keeping fresh fish, shellfish, octopus, squid, and other marine products in pristine condition.
“It was great finding those huge salmon and tuna! Though we couldn’t handle filleting them ourselves, so we had Tohma take care of it.”
Lost in fond memories of the taste, Haruto gazed off dreamily.
Ever since they opened their first treasure chest and found a massive salmon, the trio of heroes actively hunted Sahagins.
Though they also sold the magic stones and materials from the Sahagin corpses, they mainly stored the bodies along with the treasure chests in their [Item Boxes]. Their real prize was the treasure chest filled with seafood.
They joyfully exterminated groups of attacking Sahagins using bows and magic from the ship’s deck.
After defeating them, Akihito used his magic to gather both the Sahagin corpses and the treasure chests, ensuring nothing was left behind.
“The fresh seafood is great, but sometimes we hit the jackpot too.”
Smiling softly, Natsuki turned the treasure chest upside down onto the table, spilling out a pile of precious metals.
The most eye-catching items were gold and silver coins, along with gold bars.
“These aren’t all coins from Shirane Kingdom, are they?”
“There are coins from the Kingdom and the Empire too. Probably treasures looted from sunken ships by the Sahagins.”
“They must really like shiny things.”
“Thanks to that, our pockets are getting nice and heavy too.”
Haruto laughed lightheartedly.
With plenty of gold and gem-encrusted accessories found in the treasure chests, it made sense that Sahagins liked shiny objects.
These treasures belonged to the adventurers who defeated the Sahagins, allowing them to easily recoup the cost of their voyage.
Natsuki picked up a large pearl from the pile of precious metals.
It was a sizable, well-shaped pearl with a subtle sheen. It had been discovered inside a clam that the Sahagins stored as food.
“An attendant of a noble passenger in the first-class cabin approached us wanting to buy these pearls for two gold coins each.”
“Huh? For five pearls total? That’s a pretty good price!”
“Idiot brother. No, it’s two gold coins per pearl. He’s willing to pay ten gold coins in total.”
“Seriously?! This set of pearls is worth a million yen!”
“Alright, let’s sell.”
Though beautiful, none of the three had much interest or attachment to jewelry or accessories.
Natsuki, being the only girl, was encouraged by the boys to keep something for herself, but she firmly declined.
“They’re beautiful, but too big for everyday use. The designs aren’t to my taste either.”
She preferred simpler, cuter designs, but the treasures from the sunken ships were flashy and ornate, clearly meant for royalty and nobility, which didn’t suit her taste at all.
“Besides, I’d rather buy accessories with money I’ve earned myself and choose what I like.”
There were girls who would be overjoyed to receive gifts, but Natsuki wasn’t like that.
Though…
(…Still, if Tohma -niisan gave me an accessory, even if the design was a bit off, I think I’d be happy.)
Her cousin rarely gave gifts that could be misinterpreted, so she didn’t expect much.
(Tohma -niisan has always been cautious. He only gives presents to someone he’s seriously dating.)
But honestly, she respected that about him. When he had a girlfriend, he never strayed, no matter how charming the woman trying to seduce him.
How many times had she cheered silently in her heart when he effortlessly brushed off advances from gorgeous women?
She idly thought about seeing him again. But it was still too dangerous. Their enemies weren’t just the demon race. Even Shirane, the country that summoned the heroes, wasn’t entirely unified.
If their importance to the hero was discovered, they could become targets not only of demons but humans as well.
For now, despite some unease, wandering around as adventurers was probably safer.
Besides, for some reason, even the strongest dragon seemed to have taken a liking to them.
(He’s always been such a charmer! Though this time, it’s not people—it’s dragons.)
Technically, it was bribery with food, but to Natsuki, it amounted to the same thing.
“If that’s settled, let’s sell the pearls in bulk. Should we also see if they’ll buy the other jewelry?”
At Akihito’s suggestion, the other two nodded.
They might get a slightly low price, but since they didn’t need these items anyway, and considering they had stumbled upon them almost by chance, and lacking connections in the Empire, selling them here would make things easier.
“Let’s sell the gems and pearls. We can split the gold and silver coins among us and use them in the Empire. However, let’s keep the gold bars and pure gold accessories.”
“Right. When we return to Japan, gold will be valuable as an asset, so we should hold onto it.”
It was uncertain if they could sell them later, but given the high value of gold, they decided to keep it.
Once they defeated the hostile demon race and sealed the evil dragon, they would be allowed to return to Japan.
The creator god promised that any wealth they obtained in this world could be brought back with them.
After all their struggles, securing assets for the future was important.
Akihito, for example, planned to convert all his currency into magical items, potions, and gold before returning to Japan.
(Of all the magical items, I definitely want to bring back this ‘portable mini-house.’)
As long as they had land, it would serve as a house.
It could be used as a secret base or even a vacation home.
“I’d love to collect cool magic swords and enchanted weapons as souvenirs.”
“You’d get arrested for violating the Sword and Firearms Law, Haru.”
“Oh, right. Then I’ll bring back loads of meat. The beast meat here is insanely delicious.”
“I agree.”
“Couldn’t agree more.”
They absolutely wanted to stockpile as much of the delicious meat as possible, surpassing even Japan’s premium brand meats.
Just then, the summoning bell rang inside the room.
It was a call from the sailors.
“Help! A giant sea beast has appeared! Please help!”
A giant sea beast. This time, it was likely a sea serpent or a kraken.
The three hurriedly donned their gear and dashed to the deck.
