*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?
Luna. The only daughter of the Demon King.
She is Dennis’s sister, his younger sibling.
Her hair is long—so white it looks like all pigment has been drained from it—and falls well below her waist.
Her twin tails, tied into two neat bundles, accentuate her childlike innocence.
Her big round eyes are brimming with curiosity, sparkling like gemstones.
Stop looking at me with those hopeful eyes. It makes me sick.
Whenever her moist lips part, a glimpse of pointed fangs peeks out intermittently.
Her brown skin appears to be natural, and she shamelessly compliments herself on how beautiful it is.
Why did she feel the need to tell me that?
But what stands out most about her are her pointed ears.
Honestly, I have zero interest in her—I wasn’t even paying attention—but they scream “elf” or something along those lines.
A Dark Elf? Edwarl wasn’t an elf type, so does that make her half-blood?
Either way, she reeks of trouble.
The Demon King’s daughter, the leader of a faction, an idiot, a Dark Elf, and a half-blood?
Forget three strikes—this is already a five-strike game.
I absolutely want nothing to do with her.
…Or so I thought.
“Long time no see, Dark Knight-sama! Say ‘long time no see’ back to me! Please say it!”
Despite my intentions, somehow this idiotic girl has taken a liking to me.
Why…? I haven’t done anything special…
…Or so I thought, but after giving it some thought, the answer was simple.
As the Demon King’s daughter, she can’t freely interact with just anyone.
By necessity, the number of people she can talk to is limited. Her father is senile, and her brother is the leader of an opposing faction.
As for the Four Heavenly Kings, Otto is part of the enemy faction. Tonio, though in the same faction, isn’t loyal to Luna—he just wants to oppose Otto.
I suppose Mobius, being another woman, might be a candidate, but that lazy bum avoids interaction entirely.
That leaves me by process of elimination.
…Still, even so, it feels off.
I mean, look at me: clad in heavy armor, exuding an ominous miasma, and basically looking like a monster.
Why the hell would she take a liking to someone like me?
“Aaah! As expected, hugging you is cold and painful!”
Luna shrieks while clutching her reddened forehead.
…Ah. Maybe it’s because she’s an idiot.
Because she’s an idiot, she’s attached to me.
Though, when she hugs me, her chest jiggles impressively. I’d clap for her if I could.
“…Luna. I told you not to come near here.”
“Big Brother! But everyone else is gone, and I’m bored! When I come here, everyone gathers—it’s fun!”
“……Tch.”
Dennis clicks his tongue in irritation.
While Luna clearly adores her brother, the feeling doesn’t seem mutual.
Well, they are from opposing factions.
Dennis is serious about becoming the Demon King, but Luna… well, she doesn’t exactly seem cut out for it.
If anything, she just seems to want to spend time with her family.
The fact that she’s the faction leader yet Dennis hasn’t managed to dominate suggests there are others who really don’t want him to become the Demon King.
They must hate him a lot. It’s almost funny.
“Luna, huh?”
Edwarl’s eyes regain their clarity as he looks at her.
The previously sluggish demeanor gives way to sharp intelligence.
“Yes, Father! It’s me, Luna! Are you done with that difficult meeting? Let’s play together!”
“…Yes, indeed. Let’s do that.”
Edwarl smiles faintly—a smile that’s unmistakably paternal.
From Dennis’s perspective, this must be infuriating.
It undermines his ability to get his father to follow his lead.
No wonder he didn’t want Luna at this executive meeting.
Whatever. Who cares…
…What is this heartwarming family scene?
Why am I being shown this cozy family moment?
…I’m leaving.
“Ah, Dark Knight-sama! Please wait a moment!”
Just as I try to slip away quietly, Luna comes charging toward me—her footsteps thudding like a rampaging beast.
She skids to a stop in front of me and reaches out to touch my pitch-black armor.
…Damn, she smells amazing.
What kind of idiot is this?
Stretching her arm up high, leaning back slightly, she suddenly flashes a bright smile.
“Look, there was a slime stuck to you!”
Pinched between her fingers is a squirming blob of liquid.
Bullshit. There’s no way something that disgusting was on me.
“Farewell.”
Before I can question her further, Luna waves goodbye cheerfully.
…Something about her usual ditzy demeanor feels different this time.
Too much trouble. Best to stay uninvolved.
◆
“You’re back. I figured it’d be troublesome. You look completely worn out.”
Greeting me as I stagger home is Flau, lounging on the bed reading a book.
She’s dressed far more casually than usual—far more casually than when fighting the Hero, even.
Her shorts are scandalously short, exposing most of her legs, and her loose top reveals glimpses of her chest.
What is this slutty outfit she’s wearing in my safehouse…
Still, despite the borderline provocative sight before me, I feel no arousal.
Instead… anger swells within me.
Marching over to her, I pinch her cheek hard, pulling without mercy.
“Eeek!? What are you doing!?”
Flau looks utterly bewildered.
How does she not know?
But seeing her soft cheeks stretched and tear-filled brings me some satisfaction.
I’ll let her off easy—just one month without food.
“…Hm? What’s this sticking to your armor? Paper?”
In retaliation, Flau starts pounding on my armor as she says this.
Sticking to my armor? What nonsense is this?
Sure enough, though, there’s a folded piece of paper in her hand.
…This can’t be good.
I should burn it without looking. Destroy the evidence.
But before I can reach for it, Flau unfolds the paper.
What is she doing!?
“Uh… let’s see… ‘Let’s play together tonight! -Luna’”
My jaw drops so wide it feels like it might unhinge.
That idiot girl… inviting me to play?
I’ll say it again: she’s an idiot.
She’s clueless about how badly her faction is losing in the power struggle. Hell, she might not even realize she’s been made the faction leader.
So inviting me—the one person she can actually interact with—to hang out probably means well…
[But I refuse…]
I have no intention of getting involved in this faction war, nor do I plan to side with anyone.
I certainly don’t want anything to do with Luna…
“You don’t have a choice, you know.”
Flau grins at me, leaving me no choice but to hang my head in defeat.
Could the Four Heavenly Kings decline an invitation from the Demon King’s daughter? Probably, but then things would get even messier…
Anyway, Flau’s dinner tonight will consist of weeds.
With a deep sigh, I resign myself to my fate.