*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!
Dungeon Start Heroine Tamer and Training Mission! ~Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about strong, cute, and beautiful female adventurers… All of them are my followers!
The day was Tuesday, the day after.
I was still going to school as usual.
“…………”
–And as usual, I’m still alone. Got a problem with that?
Of course not.
I haven’t done anything that would cause a dramatic change in my social relationships.
…Yet I still have to come to school. This is seriously like a punishment game in the game of life.
In this game called life, I’ve been stuck on the ‘spend 3 years alone at school with no friends’ level for a while now.
The only thing that soothes this pain is the convenience store bento I eat during lunch break.
Finding an empty space and thinking “Oh, this seems like a good spot!”
Taking a bite of the greasy fried chicken and then shoveling in some white rice while thinking “Heh~ this is all I need, this is fine”
I monologue in my mind and enjoy my solo gourmet meal.
…My high school life is way too gray.
“—Good morning, Hikari!”
“Good morning~”
On the other hand, Saionji-san is popular as always today.
She’s quite different from some loners.
Of course she’s close with the girls.
She casually greets classmates she doesn’t know well and even boys.
If such a cute girl greets you with a smile, there’ll surely be some members of the opposite sex who get the wrong idea.
“Hey, Hikari, you seem especially cheerful today!”
“Eh? R-really?”
When the central figures of the class gather, conversations naturally get lively.
I could hear their voices even while pretending to sleep with my head down on my desk, activating my loner skills.
“Yeah, yeah. Hikari-chan is always cute, but today she seems noticeably cuter.”
“That’s right! She seems brighter than yesterday, yeah, so cute!”
“Fufu, what’s this? Am I being hit on by girls?”
There can never be too much friendly girl talk.
“Confess!”
“Do you have a boyfriend? Finally, has the pure and innocent Hikari gotten a boyfriend? Is she going to be dyed in boyfriend colors?”
“B-boyfriend!? N-no, no way! It’s nothing like that at all!!”
Even Saionji’s flustered voice sounds cute.
There can never be too much of this.
That day…
I ended up observing around Saionji without meaning to.
It’s just a feeling, but…
I felt like the gazes and attention directed at Saionji were stronger and more numerous than before.
Especially the dreamy, absorbed looks from boys – I saw them more frequently than usual.
What a sinful woman…
Basically, it’s probably because Saionji gained [All Stats +3] and the skill [Magic Shot] through the [Training Tree].
Realizing her definite growth and gaining confidence from it…
I think it’s showing in her expressions and gestures.
In other words, I’ve given the already cute Saionji an additional weapon – confidence.
Sorry, everyone…
But no matter how much Saionji’s charm or the violence of her cuteness affects those around her, I can’t stop.
For the sake of my effortless income lifestyle, please become a noble sacrifice…
◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
And that embodiment of cuteness – Saionji…
Was currently exposing a very defenseless posture right in front of me.
“—-!!”
A temporary preparation facility built near the F-rank dungeon.
In one of its rooms, Saionji was changing into her adventurer’s outfit.
Her eyes were closed cutely in perfect symmetry.
She was also taking a deep breath and holding it.
Because of this, her attractive chest wrapped in armor was pushed out in sync with her inflated lungs.
One might even say her tempting lips looked like they were eagerly waiting for something.
Both were within easy reach if I just extended my hand.
I wish others could understand what it’s like to have to restrain myself so many times.
How nice it would be if this was waiting for a boob grab or a kiss.
What a sinful woman…
-[Training Mission]-
●Daily Mission
Hold breath for over 1 minute x5 Reward: MP+2
Current 00:48.38 Hold breath over 1 minute 4/5
It’s nothing special.
She’s simply challenging today’s [Training Mission].
Hmm, it’s about time…
“…………”
From diagonally above left of Saionji.
I checked the “current seconds” on the [Training Mission] screen and slowly extended my hand.
…Those of you who just thought “So he’s finally reaching out to commit a crime!” or “I knew he’d eventually touch Saionji’s boobs”
Let’s meet behind the dungeon later?
I’m not touching her chest. No, it’s her “shoulder”.
“~~~!!”
Saionji’s face reddened as she desperately continued holding her breath.
Since she probably wouldn’t notice when a minute passed, she asked me to tap her to let her know when it’s over.
Actually, in the four successful attempts so far, she kept holding her breath even after a minute passed.
Unless I touched her to let her know…
…Sorry, even I found that creepy.
If you just take the part “Unless I touched her to let her know”, it sounds too much like the monologue of a pervert with a misplaced sense of mission, huh.
The sleeveless design top made for easy movement, exposing her whole arm.
Gloves made of sweat-absorbing and stretchable material covering up to her elbows.
Between these two pieces of clothing, smooth white skin was exposed.
I positioned my fingertips nearly 10cm away from the skin area on Saionji’s upper arm.
“Current 01:00.00”
“Sainoji, good job –“
I tapped Saionji’s skin twice. At the same time, a faint light filled Saionji’s body and ran through her entire being.
“Puhah–hah, hah, is it over?”
Saionji expelled the air in her lungs and breathed heavily several times, seeking fresh oxygen.
Each time, the two fruits symbolizing femininity expanded and contracted.
This instinctive movement continuously stimulated male instincts.
If I didn’t consciously look away, I’d be captivated by its charm.
Coincidentally, Sainoji’s status had just updated, so thankfully I could fix my gaze there instead.
[Status]
●Basic Information
Name: Saionji Hikari Age: 17 years old Gender: Female Job: None Master-Servant Relationship: Master – Amasaki Hayato – Training Points Held: 0
●Ability Values
Lv.1 HP:6/6(+3) MP:1/1(+3)→3/3(+3) New! Strength:1(+3) Endurance:1(+3) Magic Power:0(+3) Magic Resistance:2(+3) Agility:2(+3) Dexterity:4(+3)
※(+3) = [All Stats +3]
●Skills [Magic Shot]
◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
“…So this is the F-rank dungeon, huh”
With a voice mixed with tension, Saionji carefully observed the inside of the cave.
“It’s not much different from the G-rank we went to yesterday. The only differences are the monsters that appear and the number of floors.”
Walking beside her, I made sure Saionji wasn’t tensing her shoulders too much.
F-rank dungeon.
It’s said to be perfect for beginners to gain practical experience since weak monsters regularly spawn.
Also, it was the highest rank dungeon we, G-rank adventurers, could currently enter.
“That’s right… Yeah, I’m okay. With Amasaki -kun, I’ve worked hard and gotten stronger.”
Saionji muttered softly to herself.
Personally, I hadn’t really worked hard… but I didn’t make any unnecessary comments.
Instead, I focused on making Saionji’s dungeon challenge a success.
After all, today we’re attempting our “first monster subjugation.”
In other words, if we succeed in subjugation, we’ll be able to obtain things like magic stones from monsters.
We can exchange these drops at the guild branch outside the dungeon for money, which becomes our reward.
I have a contract to receive 20% of Saionji’s rewards.
Yes, today is the litmus test for whether my effortless income lifestyle will become a reality!
After walking for about 10 minutes —
“GRIYAAAA!”
–There it is, a monster!
“One goblin, Saionji!”
“U-um!”
A clear straight path.
The opponent noticed us immediately.
Child-sized.
Its skin was a sickly dark green color.
Its wicked-looking eyes caught sight of Saionji, and drool dripped endlessly from its mouth.
It seemed to express joy at finding a supreme female, its face twisted into an ugly smile as if it couldn’t get uglier.
“–Alright~ Time’s up~”
I stepped between the goblin and Saionji, blocking its view.
I properly raised the wooden shield I bought second-hand, as if to say “Lecherous gazes prohibited.”
This was a recycled item made from discarded wooden doors.
Moreover, it was a reused product that the previous owner sold when they retired or upgraded as an adventurer.
In other words, super eco-friendly.
For me before my effortless income lifestyle got on track, it was kind to my wallet and a very helpful piece of armor.
“GRYSYAAA!!”
However, it seems to be the opposite for the goblin.
Such a crude thing.
It blocked the outlet for its desires – in other words, the path leading to Saionji.
This apparently displeased it greatly, making it unbearable.
It charged forward with a strange cry, raging with anger.
“–Oops! You should go through the office for that~”
“GIA–“
I strongly thrust the wooden shield forward and struck the goblin.
A strong recoil returned to my arm, but only my left hand went slightly numb.
“Amasaki -kun!!”
A short voice flew from Saionji behind me.
Just from that, I understood her intention and dodged sideways along with the wooden shield.
“Nice!”
“Un– [Magic Shot]!!”
Saionji’s right hand thrust out.
A magic circle about 1 meter in diameter appeared at the tip of her palm, covered by the glove.
From there, a large mass of magic power shot out forcefully.
“GYURYA–“
The goblin that had been deflected by the shield and had fallen on its butt.
Aiming straight for it.
The magical bullet raced through at a speed that couldn’t be seen.
“GI–“
The mass of magic power hit the goblin beautifully.
It obliterated the upper half of its torso and kept going straight until it hit the corner in the back.
Whoa.
I saw the test firing yesterday, but damn, that’s quite impressive power even looking at it again.
“Y-yeah… We did it…”
Saionji remained frozen for a while.
“–We did it, Amasaki -kun!!”
But it seems she gradually started to realize.
Unable to contain her excitement, she suddenly jumped at me.
“Woah!?”
I reflexively let go of the shield and caught her body with both hands.
I ended up touching her exposed armpit area, and the unique sensation of a girl’s skin pressed against my fingertips.
Kyaa!
Ms. Saionji is so lewd!
To dive at a member of the opposite sex with such a stimulating, erotic body.
Isn’t this sexual harassment!?
“Thank you, it’s all thanks to you, Amasaki -kun~!”
But seeing Saionji, pure and completely colored with joy, my flustered feelings quickly settled down.
Saionji had finally grown to the point where she could defeat monsters.