*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!
Regarding the Matter of Beautiful Girls Relentlessly Seeking My Body (Experience Points)
「Tatsuya-kun, look at me. Only at me. Hey, don’t avert your gaze. Please, please, Tatsuya-kun.」
「Ahh♡ This is incredibleeee♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ It’s becoming addicting, ughhh♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡」
「……………♡ ……………………………………………………………………♡」
「Tatsuya-kun, think only of me. Don’t think about anything else, okay? Please, please, Tatsuya-kun. Don’t let anyone else steal your heart. Tatsuya-kun belongs only to me, right? Right?」
Let me explain the situation.
That day, after successfully exorcising the “Wandering Ghost Will-o’-the-Wisp,” Yura-chan and the other two left early. Apparently, they needed to adjust their schedules, handle accumulated work, and apologize to various parties they had inconvenienced.
And so, one month later today, Yura-chan and the other two suddenly showed up. It seems that an event they had planned nearby was abruptly canceled due to a scandal involving the sponsoring company. With nothing else to do, the three of them decided to come to my place.
While serving tea and listening to their story, I learned that there have been some murmurs among the fans about Yura-chan’s aura being noticeably stronger than the other two. During her hiatus and even after her return, rumors have been circulating speculatively about Yura-chan possibly having a man in her life. While it hasn’t blown up into a full-blown controversy yet, there’s definitely some simmering tension.
Therefore, before things escalate into an uncontrollable firestorm, they explained that it’s necessary to balance out the three of them in terms of their aura levels. So they asked if I could share my “experience points” with Amagasaki-san and Himi-san.
Personally, I don’t have a problem with it, but there’s one dissatisfied face—Yura-chan.
Apparently, she doesn’t like the idea of Amagasaki-san and Himi-san touching me. Hmm, wait, are we dating or something?
After some discussion, they came up with the idea that while the two of them are touching me, I should only look at Yura-chan. By the way, I wasn’t involved in this “discussion” at all. The three of them just talked amongst themselves and decided on their own.
So here I am now: Amagasaki-san is touching my right hand, Himi-san my left, and Yura-chan is standing extremely close right in front of me.
That’s the end of the situation explanation.
“Sugoo♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Did you enjoy this the whole time, Yurarin?♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ You’re so greedy♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡”
“………………………………………………No sneaky moves, forbidden♡………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Ahh♡”
Amagasaki-san was pressing her well-endowed body against me as she clung to my arm, while Himi-san rubbed her soft, baby-like cheeks against my palm. For any healthy male, this was truly a dream-like situation.
“Ahh. Tatsuya-kun, what were you just thinking about? Hey, you were thinking about someone other than me, weren’t you? That’s not allowed, Tatsuya-kun.”
Yura-chan’s face, already close, moved even closer. It seems I’m not even allowed to think freely. My basic human rights are being violated.
Just when the room was thick with the pheromones of beautiful girls and my head started spinning, Amagasaki-san and Himi-san finally seemed satisfied and let go of my hands.
“Nyah♡ Seriously, leveling up like this feels like cheating. Going into dungeons feels pointless now~”
“……♡ No danger, it feels good, and there’s nothing but benefits.”
“Uu—, you two are so unfair…”
While Amagasaki-san and Himi-san looked content, Yura-chan appeared dissatisfied. With an anguished expression, she squeezed her arms between her thighs and shyly peeked at me with longing eyes.
“Tatsuya-kun… um, can I… just a little…?”
She slowly brought her face toward my neck. But,
“Hai, Yurarin has to wait~”
“If Yura levels up too, the gap won’t close. It’s meaningless.”
“Uuu—, uuu—…”
Perhaps overcome with frustration, Yura-chan stared at me while whimpering “uu,” tears spilling from her eyes.
“Yura-chan, once their levels catch up, you can do whatever you want. Okay?”
Feeling sorry for her, I decided to give her some hope.
“R-really!? Is it okay!? I might completely ruin you, Tatsuya-kun, is that really fine!? Haa… haa…?”
What exactly is she imagining? Yura-chan exhaled a heated breath.
“As long as it doesn’t harm your body, Yura-chan.”
“Mm-hmm! Thank you, Tatsuya-kun!”
“By the way, what’s the level difference between Yura-chan and Amagasaki-san and Himi-san?”
I called out to Amagasaki-san, who was relaxing with tea at the table, and Himi-san, who was happily munching on snacks. They were chilling like they were at grandma’s house.
“I’m at 271~.”
“Rin is at 273.”
“Wow, that’s pretty high. What about you, Yura-chan?”
When I looked at Yura-chan, she hesitated, her eyes darting around before finally looking away and muttering:
“A-about… 285…”
There was no way the other two would miss such an obvious and suspicious reaction.
“Himilin, measurement time.”
“‘Measurement Medicion’.”
“Ahh! That’s mean! So mean!”
When Himi-san chanted towards Yura-chan, her body faintly glowed.
“And the shocking appraisal result is?”
“305.”
She was definitely lying.
“Liar Leader gets tickle punishment!”
“‘Restraining Great Serpent Restriction-Serpent’.”
“Magic is cheating!!”
Yura-chan was hit by what seemed to be a binding spell at close range. Her hands and feet were restrained as if tied by invisible ropes. Amagasaki-san and Himi-san reached out to her defenseless body.
“Rub rub. I’ll tickle you all over “
“Poke poke. Poke poke.”
“Stop! It tickles! Ahahaha! It tickles, stop itttt! Aha, ahahahaha!”
“We won’t forgive you until you apologize properly~.”
“Apology demanded.”
“Hya! Ahahahahaha! Sorry! I’m sorry for lying! Ahahahahaha!”
“Who apologizes while laughing like that!?”
“No sincerity detected.”
“Hic! Hic! Ahahahaha! B-but, I’m being tickled! Ahahaha! Tatsuya-kun! Don’t look! Don’t looook!”
Even if she says not to look, how could I ignore the sight of a beautiful girl with disheveled clothes, twisting her body, blushing cheeks, and drooling?
After being tickled for about ten minutes, Yura-chan was finally released.
◇
It had been a few weeks since Yura-chan and the others (more accurately, Amagasaki-san and Himi-san) started coming to collect my experience points. By now, my room had turned into Trinity Spark’s regular hangout spot.
As the three of them sat at the table chatting cheerfully, I suddenly voiced a question that had been on my mind.
“Lately, you’ve been leveling up using my experience points, but is that really okay?”
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
Amagasaki-san, sitting on my bed with her back to me, turned her head to look at me. The angle was perfect. Truly, this was the definition of a beauty looking back.
“Well, normally people level up by diving into dungeons, right? So, isn’t it unnatural for your levels to increase without actually going into dungeons?”
“…Well, no one’s really keeping track of whether we’re diving or not, and it’s not something that’s likely to be noticed, right?”
“But wouldn’t the Dungeon Management Bureau notice?”
I recalled the time Rinka went into a dungeon. She showed her diver card to the bureau staff, and they were doing something on the computer. There’s probably some kind of entry-exit record system.
“…W-well, no one’s going to bother checking, right?”
“Trinity Spark is a super popular idol diver, so there must be fans even within the Dungeon Management Bureau. Plus, those records probably aren’t super secure. Someone might casually access the information and post it on an anonymous message board or something. Wouldn’t that be bad?”
“…Soo…?”
“Soo?”
“That’s a valid point…”
I expected some kind of counterargument, but it seemed they couldn’t come up with anything to say.
The three exchanged glances, nodded, and stood up.
“Alright, let’s dive into a dungeon!”
“We can’t make our fans uneasy, after all!”
“Cover-up operation, commence.”
Himi-san, you shouldn’t say “cover-up.” We’re not doing anything wrong anyway.
And so, the three members of Trinity Spark began diving into dungeons again, and their visits to my room became less frequent.
I felt like the pheromones of beautiful girls had seeped into the walls of my room, so I decided to take this opportunity to do a thorough cleaning and get rid of the lingering scent. Otherwise, it’d be impossible to calm down.
The accident happened a week later.
