*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!
Are you referring to a regular female knight, or a trash-tier female knight?
Something feels… off.
Why on earth is this happening…?
“Kyaa…!?”
A jarring clang rings out.
My ears are ringing…
More than that, an overwhelming shock runs through my arm, making it go completely numb.
The fact that the one who did this is the frail-looking woman in front of me sends a shiver down my spine.
She looks like an ordinary kid… but is she perhaps a troll?
My sword hand is tingling so much it’s hard to even grip it…
Without rolling around pathetically on the ground, the woman elegantly crouches and glares at me.
Uh-huh? Glaring at me isn’t disrespectful?
More importantly, shouldn’t you be rolling around more awkwardly?
What’s with the cool pose. It’s pissing me off…
“…I never imagined you’d be this strong. I wasn’t being careless or overly optimistic… but you seem to be on another level.”
Glaring at me, the woman raises her voice.
“Dark Knight of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King’s Army!”
At that name, I twitch my cheek.
Though my head is covered by armor so my expression can’t be seen, I’m sure I look thoroughly displeased.
Ah, Dark Knight…
Who was the idiot who gave me that embarrassing name? I’ll knock them out.
Of course, I have a proper name – Ryaral.
It’s not some cringy name like Dark Knight.
Is it from some fantasy story dreamed up by a child?
If someone else used a name like that, I’d laugh my ass off, but when it’s me, it’s not funny at all.
The problem is that this woman I’m meeting for the first time knows it too.
S-so famous, huh?
“Why do you harm people despite possessing such strength? The strong have a duty to protect and guide the weak. Why don’t you fulfill that duty?”
This woman keeps saying ridiculous things while keeping an unrelenting gaze on me.
That kind of duty doesn’t exist…
First comes me, second comes me. Third and fourth too, and fifth as well.
First and foremost, it’s me. No matter what, it’s me.
My priority is absolute. Me, me.
“…So words won’t stop you, huh? Fine. This isn’t the first time I’ve dealt with someone like you.”
The woman gracefully raises her sword.
Yikes… She’s clearly younger than me, yet she’s incredibly composed…
From our brief fight earlier, I know she’s insanely strong.
What even is this woman?
She suddenly appeared before me and attacked without warning.
This thug!
“If you lose to me, you have to listen to me properly.”
With that, the woman vanishes and reappears instantly before me, raising her sword…
Yikes!
◆
[Because of you, I almost died, you know? What are you going to do about it? It feels like I’ve been targeted…]
After driving away the thug… no, the Hero, I confront the fool.
Looking up at me is Flau.
She knows full well what kind of person I am, yet she still annoyingly follows me around.
Well, I suppose…
Her appearance is attractive, so normally one might be pleased?
But seriously, this woman always meddles… and often pushes thugs like the one from before onto me.
She’s become my arch-nemesis.
“Don’t worry. For me, situations like these are very welcome.”
I’m telling you because it’s not okay for me!
And what do you mean, ‘welcome’? You dare say that to someone who showed you mercy beyond even a saint…
“You’re strong. There’s nothing I can do about it, so I decided to let the Hero defeat you and set you free.”
Her radiant smile would easily charm others.
Unfortunately, all I feel is dread.
What is this woman…
She’s the embodiment of the nauseating evil.
I was just shocked to learn that thug was actually the Hero.
Does she have no heart, throwing the Demon King Army’s greatest enemy at me?
[…But it’s not entirely bad. In fact, I’m grateful.]
“…Huh? What’s wrong? Did bullying get to your head? Should I pat your head?”
That’s right. Rather, having the Hero sent after me is something I should… no, I won’t thank her.
Definitely not. I almost died for real.
And stop hopping around in front of me trying to pat my head.
[Hmph… If you think about it a little, you’ll understand why I’m saying this.]
“No, I don’t understand. You’re truly incomprehensible. I just don’t get you.”
You’re overusing ‘don’t understand’…
Well, understanding this perfect me who the world should adore is probably impossible.
Especially for someone as nasty as Flau.
[Hey. Why do you think I’m so tied down?]
“That’s because you’re strong. If you weren’t strong, you wouldn’t be getting this much attention.”
[Exactly. That’s right. Regrettably, I am strong. One could even say flawless. I’m already peerless.]
“…Saying that yourself, you’re really taking narcissism too far.”
Flau gives me a deadpan look, but this is fact.
I am strong.
To be more precise, ‘the Dark Knight is strong’, but let’s set that aside.
[However, because of this strength, I’ve ended up joining some idiotic organization called the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King’s Army, and now terrorists calling themselves Heroes are after my life.]
“Be careful if someone hears you. I don’t care if you die, but it’d be the worst if the blame reaches me too since I’m technically your vice-captain.”
I’ll definitely avoid that situation, but if it does happen, I’ve resolved to take her down with me no matter the sacrifice.
I’ve renewed this determination even stronger than before.
In the first place, there probably isn’t anyone who can execute the Dark Knight.
There’s no way I’d get caught.
[But what if I lose?]
“…Huh?”
Flau looks at me blankly.
She seems unable to comprehend what I said, but it’s simple.
Yes. The reason I’m in this troublesome situation is because of my strength.
Well, it’s not exactly me, but rather this damned armor.
Because I’m strong, they put me among the Four Heavenly Kings.
And because I’m strong, the Hero has marked me.
[I’m known as the invincible Dark Knight.]
“You’re just going to say that yourself…”
[Therefore, if I were to taste defeat even once, that influence would disappear instantly. No, it must disappear.]
“You’re mixing in your wishes.”
If I lose, interest will surely fade, and I’ll be removed from the Four Heavenly Kings.
No, I must be removed. Absolutely.
Anyone can become the Dark Knight if they use this cursed armor, so find a replacement.
[Listen, Flau. I want to experience defeat.]
“How bothersome.”
Hero or anyone else, it doesn’t matter.
Make me lose.
I sincerely desire my own defeat.