*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 Like Villains, so I Reincarnated as One
After that, we hurried back to the mansion and held a meeting with Rosalia and Kaiser.
The battle against the surrounding nobles led by Vassago will occur a little later in the game. The reason for this is simple: in the main story of the game, they have already become puppets of the Hades cult, and as soon as the protagonists declare themselves enemies of the Hades followers, war breaks out immediately.
Normally, there should still be plenty of time. Isn’t this timing way too early?!
“Declaring war in this situation…?”
“No, this timing is actually fortunate. Because of it, we were able to learn about the existence of these documents. As long as this document bearing the Hamilton family seal exists, even if we proclaim our innocence to the royal capital or the surrounding nobility, it won’t have much effect. If we had time to investigate thoroughly, we could likely prove Weiss’s innocence, but Vassago wouldn’t allow that. And it seems Barbaro was indeed poisoned.”
“Yeah… By the time we returned, Barbaro had already been killed. Despite all the heavy security measures we had in place…”
“There might have been an insider. It can’t be helped. It’s not your fault. Most likely, after hearing that we went to take down the slave trading organization, they made their move. So… what should we do about Lord Weiss?”
Rosalia calmly reassures a flustered Kaiser. My actions are changing history… Perhaps the knowledge from the game will no longer be useful moving forward. But I’m not the protagonist. I have capable allies. We’ll find a way through this.
I feel their trust in me from their gazes and think to myself.
“First, let’s assess the situation. Now… Do you think this document is authentic, Rosalia?”
“To be honest, I don’t know… What’s troubling is that the signature isn’t from Lord Weiss but from the previous lord. Dead men tell no tales, and while it’s possible that Barbaro forged the document using the lord’s seal, we can’t confirm it. Moreover, the fact that they’ve declared war at this moment suggests that Vassago likely has a copy of this document. Even if we object, they’ll use it to justify their cause.”
“That means… The chances of other lords or the royal capital actively supporting us are slim…”
“Yes… Furthermore, the merchants involved in the slave trade aren’t from noble families but from Vassago’s territory. While investigating could eventually lead us to Vassago and other nobles, we don’t have the time. That’s why they’ve declared war now.”
“If we condemn Vassago now, it will only look like retaliation for declaring war on us… And considering how meticulously they’re trying to discredit us, it’s clear they’re determined to crush us completely. There’s no path to peace.”
“Indeed… Normally, during negotiations, compromises are sought, but given the amount they’re demanding as reparations, it seems they’re only focused on destroying us.”
Kaiser nods. And… it’s highly likely the Hades cult is involved in this. One of the twelve apostles of the Hades cult was in Vassago’s territory, aiding in the slave trade. They’re fully guilty.
“But… War, huh…”
It’s not uncommon for disputes to arise between nobles. In such cases, both sides assert their righteousness, try to win over neighboring nobles as allies, or seek assistance from a greater noble overseeing the region. However, both the Hamilton and Vassago territories fall under the Bloody family.
Fortunately, I’m on good terms with Reinhard. Though it’s difficult to ask for one-sided support, he’ll likely mediate the conflict.
Still… I need to prepare for the worst-case scenario…
“Kaiser, do you think we can defeat the Inklay family with our current forces?”
“Yes, if it’s just the Inklay family’s troops, I believe we can win after a hard-fought battle. However, if other nobles join forces with them, it’ll be tough. Numbers matter. We can handle a 1.5x difference, but if it’s double, then it becomes nearly impossible…”
“A direct confrontation puts us at a disadvantage… We’ll need to come up with some kind of strategy…”
Wars in this world differ from reality—not just in strategy but also because the presence of a single hero can change the course of battle. Chief among them are figures like the twelve apostles. Prominent examples from the game include Aegis, the “Villainess of Crimson Blood,” wielding the magic sword passed down in the Bloody family; Astesia, the “Cold-hearted False Saint,” who wields both Hades’ and Zeus’ blessings to buff and debuff enemies; and Violet, the “Mad Sorceress,” who can cast and spam royal-tier magic.
Though they’re allies now unlike in the game, they’re still far from reaching that level of power, which comes at the cost of great sorrow. I want them to find happiness.
Other possibilities include someone capable of royal-tier magic or a contracted divine beast…
Wait, that’s me. But the royal-tier magic I can use is specialized for single-target attacks… If only I could use fire or ice attributes, things would be different…
“Don’t worry, Lord Weiss. You’re not alone. Together, we’ll combine our strength and figure this out.”
To cheer me up, Rosalia takes my hand and smiles. That’s right… I’m not alone. From the game’s knowledge, Vassago doesn’t have many powerful subordinates—just a few. With Rosalia, Kaiser, and me, we should be able to overcome some disadvantages.
And… I still have the game’s knowledge. If I use strategies from the game, maybe we can turn things slightly in our favor. With that in mind, I’ll take whatever actions I can.
“Kaiser, hurry and organize the soldiers! Rosalia, inform the townsfolk that war is imminent. I’ll send a letter of negotiation to the Inklay family and request aid from Reinhard.”
The letter to the Inklay family asserts our innocence. Of course, it probably won’t have any real effect, but sending it is important. If they don’t refute it, it’s as good as them admitting our argument holds merit.
The next day, two letters arrived. One was from the Inklay family. It stated, “We stand on the side of justice. Your involvement in the slave trade has worsened public order and sown distrust toward the royal family. Pay reparations, dismantle the underground slave trade network, or face war.”
My only thought? “Die, you bastards.” But the real issue was this letter.
“What’s wrong, Lord Weiss?”
“Well… The Bloody family has decided to remain neutral and observe this conflict. They claim both sides’ arguments are directly opposed, making it difficult to side with either…”
I noticed Rosalia and Kaiser holding their breaths at my words.
