*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?
The Throne Room of the Demon King’s Castle.
This place, where the Demon King who oversees all demons sits, is usually a solemn and tranquil area meant to command respect.
However, there is one particular case in which this room transforms into a chaotic, horrifying space filled with murderous intent and hostility.
A loud, heavy shattering sound echoes through the air—”THUD!”
Hearing it, the servants working in the Demon King’s castle tremble in fear.
All they can do is pray that the threat doesn’t turn its attention toward them.
The demons employed in the Demon King’s castle are elites.
Each of them possesses enough strength to at least protect the Demon King or his family.
But even if they were to use their powers, they wouldn’t stand a chance against them running rampant.
So, all they can do is cower and hope…
Hope with all their might that the malice isn’t directed their way.
“WHAT did you say?! Say it again!!”
“I’ll say it as many times as I want. I said that you’re a disgrace to the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon Army!”
The throne room.
Though it is meant for the Demon King himself, he hasn’t yet made an appearance.
There are three people present.
One man, covered in wounds and bandages, visibly seething with anger—this is Tonio.
Facing him is another man, Otto, coldly smirking as he provokes Tonio.
And then there’s a woman, Mobius, completely indifferent, not even sparing them a glance.
These individuals are known as the Four Heavenly Kings, the greatest fighting force within the Demon Army.
That’s why the demon servants of the castle dare not intervene, no matter what happens.
Even if the situation escalates to the point where the entire castle might collapse, they cannot match the power of the Four Heavenly Kings.
They simply aren’t strong enough.
Unaware of the despair among the lesser demons, Tonio and Otto continue their heated argument.
“A human… a mere girl, no less, defeated you? And yet here you are, shamelessly showing your face before His Majesty the Demon King. If it were me, I’d have committed suicide out of embarrassment.”
“She’s no ordinary brat! She’s our greatest enemy—the Hero!”
Tonio shouts back.
Yes, he absolutely can’t let Otto misunderstand—that he lost to just any human.
Because the girl he fought was none other than humanity’s hope, their greatest warrior—the Hero.
She is an existence on par with the Demon King, a sworn enemy of demons throughout ancient history.
Fighting a legendary figure like her and surviving—it’s something Tonio takes pride in.
He doesn’t need praise from Otto, but neither does he deserve slander.
Yet Otto only deepens his sneer.
“Hero or not, it makes no difference. Losing to a human who’s barely lived twenty years, then slinking back here with your tail between your legs… Pathetic. What angers me most is how your failure tarnishes the reputation of the Four Heavenly Kings. With fools like you representing us, it’s no wonder we’re looked down upon.”
The Four Heavenly Kings are the strongest warriors of the Demon Army.
And because of that, Otto has his pride.
When people hear “Four Heavenly Kings,” they’re supposed to cry out in terror and flee in fear.
That’s how much weight the title carries.
And yet, here stands Tonio, beaten by a mere human child and retreating in shame.
It’s only natural that humans would grow emboldened and gain momentum from such a thing.
Not to mention, Tonio looks terrible.
His appearance is brutish, ugly.
On the other hand, the Hero is beautiful—and a young girl, at that.
Otto can’t stand being associated with someone weak enough to lose to a girl.
Which is exactly why he’s so relentless in berating Tonio.
“That’s it! I’m gonna kill you right here!”
“Try it, trash.”
Finally reaching his breaking point, Tonio roars furiously.
Otto, refusing to back down, rises to meet him.
A clash between two of the Four Heavenly Kings.
To say they’ve never gotten along would be an understatement, but tensions this high are rare even for them.
The servants still lingering in the throne room scramble to escape.
“…What a pain.”
Mobius glances over lazily, utterly disinterested, before turning away again.
She couldn’t care less about these two bickering.
She has no interest in the title of Four Heavenly Kings, nor in the Hero, their sworn enemy.
None of it matters to her.
If all four hadn’t been summoned, she wouldn’t even be here.
Noise bothers her.
She prefers silence.
As Mobius thinks this, a heavy metallic sound echoes through the room.
Clang, clang.
At the sound, both Otto and Tonio pause their imminent confrontation—but only slightly.
Even Mobius, who shows no interest in anything, turns her gaze toward the source of the noise.
“…Tch.”
Tonio clicks his tongue as he sees who has just entered the throne room.
It’s the last member of the Four Heavenly Kings—the Dark Knight.
Black miasma billows around him, causing nearby servants to faint on the spot.
The strongest warrior of the Demon Army slowly steps into view.
◆
Why the hell are these guys here…?
Seeing the three of them in the throne room, I felt a wave of despair wash over me.
They’re my fellow Four Heavenly Kings.
Currently, the last people I want to see.
Granted, I don’t really want to see anyone else either.
Anyone who comes looking for me or tries to mess with me always ends up being some kind of trouble.
Sigh… I just want to go home…
Even though Fraulein will probably be there when I get back, I still want to leave…
“You’re late. Who do you think you are, Dark Knight?”
[……]
I glare at whoever this guy glaring at me is… What’s his name again?
Something like “Oopsie-Daisy”? One of the Four Heavenly Kings?
His hostility practically oozes off him as he stares me down.
Creepy.
Creepy, yes… But why the hell is he glaring at me? Go die already.
As much as I wish all the misfortune in the world would rain down on him in an instant, I don’t want to deal with the consequences.
May the world’s malice crash down on him.
“Hmph. Ignoring me, huh? Typical of someone so unpleasant. Without strength, someone like you wouldn’t even be one of the Four Heavenly Kings, you know?”
Lost in my silent prayers for vengeance, I unintentionally ignored Oopsie-Daisy.
Sorry… But there’s no benefit in being nice to you anyway…
Besides, you talk about strength…
Isn’t strength the reason we’re even called the Four Heavenly Kings? I don’t know how strong you are, but since you haven’t beaten me yet, you’re worthless.
Honestly, screw being part of the Four Heavenly Kings.
Who in their right mind would volunteer for this nonsense?
We’re basically a losing team destined to get wiped out by the Hero. Zero motivation.
“You’ve never beaten me once, yet you act so high and mighty. Aren’t you the one all bark and no bite?”
“What did you say, you lowly human-loser hybrid? Maybe I should take care of you first.”
“Bring it on!!”
While I remain unresponsive, another one of the Four Heavenly Kings suddenly jumps into the fray with Oopsie-Daisy.
Well, thanks for the distraction, I guess.
Go ahead and fight amongst yourselves. Just don’t drag me into it.
Sigh… This is exactly why I hate being one of the Four Heavenly Kings.
You’re all idiots. Learn from me.
Fraulein, at least, knows better than to show up to places like this.
She’s seriously cunning.
Great crisis management skills.
…Well, I suppose it’s easy enough to predict chaos when the Four Heavenly Kings gather.
I just want to go home.
The Four Heavenly Kings:
Tonio, Otto, Mobius, and regrettably, me.
Not to toot my own horn, but we all get along terribly.
It’s like… we’re physically repulsed by each other.
Exactly.
Even if someone says something logical or correct, we’ll deny it purely out of instinct and start arguing.
Arguments are still mild compared to what happens sometimes.
Things escalate to murder, and given how powerful we are, collateral damage is severe.
Most of the clashes are between Tonio and Otto, though.
Naturally, I avoid conflict—I run away.
“…What?”
I glance at Mobius, the other remaining Heavenly King.
She also tends to stay out of violent disputes.
Thankfully, too—if she got involved, things would spiral out of control.
We’d wipe each other out before the Hero even got the chance.
Now, why am I looking at Mobius, you ask…
Stop it. You’re a Heavenly King (lol). Do something.
I’m in danger from the fallout of their fights.
That’s what I’m trying to convey.
Do something!
As I send her a pleading look, Mobius seems to contemplate for a moment.
Then, snapping her fingers together as if she’s had an epiphany, she furrows her brow and bows her head slightly.
“…That stuff is annoying. Too much trouble.”
…Huh?
Did I just get rejected?
Hold on, don’t cry… No, I’m not crying!
Who cares about you anyway, scary Four Heavenly King lady!
Through her helmet, I glare at Mobius, and she meets my gaze defiantly.
Oh? Are we going to fight?
I’ll make sure you’re drenched in blood in an instant.
But instead, she lazily points at Tonio and Otto, who are still radiating tension.
“…You stop them. I don’t want to get dragged into this mess.”
Are you ordering me?
How disrespectful…
Who do you think you are? You go stop them.
“If you do it… I’ll let you touch my chest.”
Leave it to me.
My body stands up on its own, noble and resolute.
…Wait! No, that’s not it! That’s not why I stood up!
Damn… Even if I touched her, my cursed armor would block any sensation of softness or warmth.
Half the appeal is gone!
Damn this accursed armor. Hurry up and disappear!
“It’s good to see you all full of energy, my fellow Heavenly Kings.”
Just as I’m inwardly cursing Mobius to hell, a laid-back voice interrupts the scene.
Among those who can casually speak during such tension-filled moments in the Demon King’s castle, there are few.
And this man is one of them.
The one who appears is none other than the Demon King’s son—Dennis.