*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
Since the time of the Elden recapture campaign, it had been like that.
No, surely it had been that way even before then.
No matter what happened, there was someone who remained immovable at the center of the Demon Kingdom.
A man who kept his eyes fixed on the Western Beast and continued to amass power.
──Demon King Lumac Ougron.
The strongest man in the Demon Kingdom, now fully prepared, appeared in the frontline skies with thunder roaring.
“…Well then, I must say you all are quick to work.”
Pishan! The sound of surging electricity.
At the same moment, a streak of purple lightning slashed through the air. In an instant, Lumac had moved behind Urklow (and me clinging to his body).
Supporting his body, he gave a faint smile.
“No, one might say it was rather too quick?”
“Yo, you’re late, Your Majesty. We almost managed to take down two generals ourselves?”
“Don’t joke around. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine you’d drag Marrow out in just one night. What trickery did you employ?”
“Kiwi here made an interesting proposal, so we decided to go along with it. And this is where it got us.”
“I see. So it was your strategy, Kiwi.”
I don’t know what kind of magic it was, but without wings, Lumac slowly descended through the air and transported us to the ground.
Then,
“Kiwi-sama!”
The first to rush over was Shes. Following her were Swan and the rest of the guerrilla medical team as well as the beastmen brigade.
“Are you injured!? I saw Marrow’s fierce attack on you just moments ago!?”
“No, I’m fine. Urklow protected me.”
“I, I see…”
Shes placed her hand over her chest as if she had narrowly escaped death, letting out a deep sigh.
“I was beside myself with worry, almost ready to dash out immediately.”
“I see. You endured well by staying put.”
If Marrow had noticed halfway through, he might have retreated without hesitation, leaving us behind. Before stepping into the expanding <Saint Detection Barrier> which spread with the frontlines.
– That barrier alerts Demon King Lumac to the intrusion of those bearing holy power.
The detailed specifications aren’t known to anyone.
However, considering that Shes isn’t allowed entry into the main hall of the Demon King’s Castle, it likely can’t identify specific individuals.
At best, one can only speculate it detects the magnitude of the intruder’s holiness and their position.
…So personally, after detecting the intrusion of what seemed to be Marrow, a bearer of holy power, I expected him to launch long-range magical attacks or something similar.
“Never would I have imagined he’d unify with lightning and rush here himself at light speed.”
“Well, it’s not like I could finish off a sage with a single blow. I need to deliver the final strike myself.”
Lumac responded to my unintended muttering,
His gaze still fixed on the rising dust clouds.
“Kiwi, splendid work. You’ve done well. Retreat from the frontline and rest.”
“Eh… Is that alright?”
“You seem to have expended quite a bit of your magical energy. Can you even cast many more Dark Heals?”
His insight was undeniable.
Indeed, repeated casting of Dark Heal in successive battles with both the vessel and Marrow himself had left my magical reserves critically low.
Though, I am still a precious healer and one of the few who has direct contact with Marrow. Information sharing is still incomplete.
“It is precisely because you are a precious Dark Healer, Kiwi. I cannot afford to lose you here.”
As if reading my mind, Lumac continued speaking.
“For information, ask Urklow . Besides, you’ve already worked hard enough.”
“I appreciate it.”
“Don’t be modest. Entrusting the guerrilla medical team to you was the right decision. Your unconventional achievements are truly impressive, very much like Kiwi.”
“Eh? Unconventional––?”
Before I could inquire further.
Whoosh!
From within the dust cloud, a tremendous white light emerged as though forming an enormous bubble.
This light attempted to cover the space widely in a dome-like shape, reaching beyond the trees taller than twenty meters.
– Marrow’s Great Sanctuary deployment.
It was a vast domain that weakened all beings of evil alignment.
While human clerics also used holy techniques, the radiance emitted by this Great Sanctuary was incomparably solemn.
However, in response,
“Have you gone senile, Marrow? Do you think that would affect me?”
Whoosh!
An overflow of blackness erupted from Lumac’s body. It surged like towering waves of the night sea, clashing with the spreading Great Sanctuary heading towards them.
Its essence was magical power, yet different from pure magical energy.
…Ah, I see. One could say it resembles using black ink to overwrite a place designated as a <Sanctuary> by a cleric. The aim being to tarnish the sanctity of such a place?
If that’s the case, it would classify as anti-sanctuary, Anti-Sanctuary, or Sanctuary Destruction magic.
Quite fascinating indeed.
I want to observe more.
A clicking sound echoed from within the dust cloud towards Lumac’s magic.
“You’re getting too cocky…!”
Marrow appeared.
Burn marks marred his pristine white robe.
Not only that, but traces of blood seeped through his otherwise unblemished body, wounded by Urklow ’s assault.
…Is damage getting through? Could it be that magic attacks are effective?
“Hmph”
However, Marrow snorted confidently,
showcasing no sign of exhaustion.
Casually waving a hand, the electric burns on his cheek vanished instantly.
“Demon King Lumac. A whippersnapper barely two hundred years old, thinking yourself victorious with a surprise attack? Laughable!”
“Laugh while you can. Your final cry will be one of agony.”
“Bah!”
Marrow kicked off the ground, ascending into the sky.
Wrapped in white brilliance, his body flickered momentarily before several <Light Rays Piercing All Things> rained down upon Lumac.
In response,
“Aerial combat, huh? Fine, I’ll oblige.”
Pishan!
Transforming into a purple current, Lumac darted through the sky, dodging all of Marrow’s attacks and positioned himself behind him.
“HAAAAH!”
Whether Marrow anticipated it or not, he swung a conjured light sword behind him, but it failed to hit Lumac.
– Pishan! Pishan!
– Pishan! Pishan!
As if trapping him within an electrified fence, Lumac raced around Marrow in every direction at literal light speed.
“Marrow. You are careless.”
A low voice resonated through the night sky.
Above Marrow and the crackling electricity.
“To compete against lightning in the sky, know your limits.”
Unbeknownst to them, Lumac’s true form had already distanced itself from Marrow. From above, he brought down a hand crackling with electricity.
What he unleashed was a massive purple thunderbolt.
Tracing an irregular zigzag path, it plummeted towards Marrow.
“Guh!?”
Marrow darted away, attempting to flee the scene at high speed.
Though rivaling Urklow ’s swiftness, the thunder followed him accurately.
He utilized electrical charge.
By sufficiently storing his own electricity in Marrow’s body, Lumac had fashioned him into a veritable lightning rod attracting the bolt.
“Naa––meeeeerrrrrgh!”
A roar.
Realizing he couldn’t evade the lightning, Marrow turned to face the incoming bolt.
From his body surged immense holy power, deploying a circular holy array from his back.
“I am the very essence of three thousand years of Elven history!”
The colossal beam piercing all things released from the array effortlessly swallowed and extinguished the lightning.
Yet, Demon King Lumac wore a confident smirk.
“That’s quite a grand technique, Marrow. But how many more can you fire?”
“…”
“How much strength have you expended on my subordinates? It seems you’re far from your peak.”
“Silence, inferior creature! Did you really think I’d foolishly engage with you head-on?”
In the night forest, tiny lights akin to fireflies began to ascend.
They were all Elves.
Having heard the commotion and located the battlefield, the Elves started to gather.
“Come to know the true might of the superior race, the Elves…!”
It seems Marrow intends to rely on sheer numbers.
However, total war was anticipated beforehand.
“Kiwi, didn’t His Majesty – Lumac – tell you? You should retreat.”
One step.
Urklow stepped onto the battlefield.
Following him were the beastmen brigade.
“Hunting Elves at midnight is our specialty, the Beastmen Brigade’s forte! Right?!”
In response to his rallying cry, brave roars akin to beasts’ distant howls echoed through the night forest.
“We’re off, you bastards! No interference in Lumac’s battle!”
The beastmen brigade charged forward, disappearing into the trees of the forest.
Watching this unfold, Shes pulled at my arm.
“Kiwi-sama, the battle is turning chaotic. We must evacuate!”
“…Yeah, you’re right.”
To be honest… I was reluctant to leave.
Above, Lumac and Marrow continued their aerial battle.
Most of the spells and holy techniques they exchanged were extraordinary, incredibly rare.
I wanted to sit and watch intently.
But staying here would certainly risk my life.
“…Let’s retreat.”
Barely, survival took precedence.
