*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!
Rou-chan’s Glorious Exploration Record
Rou-chan, Age 8!
Fully settled into the capital now! Booyah!!!
“Roro-chan! I’ve come to check in on you~”
“Rou-chan, welcome!”
Early in the morning, before heading to Grandpa Hana’s house, I gave a light knock on Roro-chan’s shop door. Roro-chan was busy preparing for the morning.
Just the other day, Roro-chan opened a small eatery near Grandpa Hana’s place. Although new to the restaurant business, thanks to the prime location behind the military post—a spot frequented by soldiers in their growing phase who prioritize quantity over quality—her shop already had a decent line forming by lunchtime, marking a smooth start.
For lunch, she offers hearty meals; at night, it transforms into a bar serving lighter snacks and drinks.
And today, breakfast service begins.
The morning menu has only one option: a hamburger. Just that.
It’s made with special buns from a bakery Louis recently purchased, stuffed with a patty, tomato, bacon, and cheese. You can also add a fried egg as a topping. And, surprisingly, the sauce is whole-grain mustard.
I took my usual seat at the end of the counter and watched Roro-chan work. She swiftly sliced tomatoes into rings using a tactical knife—she’s more accustomed to knives than kitchen knives, being a former soldier.
By the way, the military post has its own cafeteria where soldiers are provided three meals a day. However, they don’t hire chefs; instead, soldiers take turns cooking.
The menu? Year-round grilled meat and hardtack (preserved bread for expeditions). It seems the soldiers train in field cooking by breaking down frozen animals (like wolves or rabbits?) hunted during expeditions, stored in the basement, and then grilling them.
Of course, I tried it once—it was unseasoned meat.
According to Roro-chan, the higher-ups in the army usually eat freshly slaughtered game raw or barely cooked while on expeditions due to scarcity of firewood or to avoid detection by enemies. They believe fresh blood adds flavor, so the concept of seasoning is absent. Hence, no seasonings are kept in stock.
The upper echelons’ idea of expedition cuisine is wildly primal, overflowing with “natural” flavors.
After accompanying them once, I’ve resolved to bring my own food whenever I go on an expedition with the warriors. No need to trouble them.
Thus, samurai culture follows the ‘anything to fill the stomach’ philosophy—they don’t fuss much about food. Apparently, all necessary nutrients are covered by hardtack.
But those “hardtacks” are basically wooden planks.
There are plenty of delicious street stalls and restaurants in the capital, so why not pay more attention to culinary delights? Alas, dining out for soldiers stationed in the capital is restricted and requires pre-approval due to security concerns. If spies were running eateries, poisoning could occur, jeopardizing the capital’s defense.
Poisoning can be cured, but rotten ingredients cannot, and there are no medicines for allergic reactions. Soldiers equal national strength, so utmost care is taken regarding their food intake.
In the rigid hierarchy of the army, such applications mean only top brass can dine out freely, leaving lower-ranked soldiers with few options.
Or so it seems—but there are loopholes.
Veterans and certain trusted families operate eateries exempt from these rules, considered safe bets. That’s why Roro-chan’s decent-tasting dishes became a hit; soldiers could eat there daily without restrictions!
However, word has it that too refined a palate weakens morale during expeditions. Recently, orders came down that anyone below captain rank must eat army-recommended meals (grilled meat and hardtack) for two out of three meals.
Rou-chan trembles at the thought of superiors nitpicking even meals in this sports club-like organization.
I’ve reaffirmed my vow never to become a warrior’s child. Any potential spouse will have to be a civil servant.
“Here you go, Rou-chan, a mini-burger for you.”
Placed on a plate adorned with herb patterns, I picked up the burger with both hands.
It felt weighty.
Though called “mini,” it was 13 cm in diameter. The thick, juicy patty measured 1.7 cm in height!
“Itadakimasu!”
By the way, Rou-chan serves as an advisor to Roro-chan’s shop, so meals here are free for life when visiting alone.
He helped with interior design, menu planning, and creating a self-service system to run the shop efficiently. He’d been consulted about introducing the breakfast menu, too.
Take this plate, for instance. There’s a clever touch: the herb pattern evokes a salad vibe!
Since Roro-chan runs the shop solo, minimizing effort is crucial. Without side dishes for breakfast, plain white plates would feel bland, so patterned plates add flair instead.
They considered wrapping burgers in paper, but apparently, hiding food is culturally unacceptable in warrior society.
Even nobles openly present bribes in the form of gold ingots rather than concealing them.
Concealment equals guilt in this culture.
…Personally, I think bribes should be hidden, but hey, cultural norms, right?
Given his helpful advice, this truly is labor compensation!
Taking a bite, Rou-chan’s teeth left a clear mark on the round burger. The bun had just the right texture—soft yet firm. The hot, juicy meatiness paired perfectly with the peppery kick, while the rich, gooey cheese held its own against the savory beef. Tomato slices balanced the greasiness with their mild sweetness and acidity.
Each bite embodied the perfect hamburger experience.
However…
Glancing inside the bun…
“Roro-chan! There’s no bacon!”
“Oh, oh!! Right!! I forgot!”
“But maybe we don’t need bacon. With this thick patty, you wouldn’t taste the bacon anyway. Plus, overly thick bacon might ruin the texture.”
“Hmm, I see… I thought thicker meat would be better, so I made the patties thicker than during testing…”
“If you skip the bacon, your prep time shortens, making things easier.”
“You’re right… Let’s stick with this for today.”
Roro-chan put away the unused bacon block.
“The leftover bacon will go into today’s carbonara?”
“Got it! Today’s lunch special will be carbonara.”
I took another bite of the burger.
The mustard was subtly sweet, understated yet carried its characteristic tang, making it incredibly palatable. Smoother than the prototype.
The meat tasted infinitely better!
Seeing Roro-chan anxiously watching me, I gave her a thumbs-up. She happily continued her prep work.
“Good morning!!”
A lively greeting announced a customer’s arrival. No need to confirm—he was clearly a well-built soldier.
“Yo, good morning. Only one menu item, but eggs are available as an extra topping.”
“I’ll take the standard version, please!”
“Got it!”
With a quick response, Roro-chan placed a plate with the burger ready-made. Astonishingly fast—under a minute?
Turns out, the meat was pre-cooked to match opening hours.
The regular-sized burger was enormous, nearly face-sized.
Dropping money into the basket, the customer grabbed their meal and sat near the entrance.
Like clockwork, customers poured in, filling the shop in no time.
Hmm, bustling even in the morning!
I returned my plate and gulped down some self-service water. Then, I glanced around the store.
Everyone ate quietly and diligently, but their expressions spoke volumes—the taste seemed to be well-received. Judging by how effortlessly those massive burgers disappeared, volume wasn’t an issue either.
I confirmed everyone’s condition and left the shop, confident that breakfast also seemed to be fine.
A line had formed outside the shop, similar to lunchtime.
Inside, it was quiet, with everyone silently munching away, but outside, it seemed like people were having lively conversations while waiting in line.
Surprisingly, those lining up weren’t soldiers from the military garrison but rather younger students. Come to think of it, I remembered that the Noble Academy was nearby.
The Noble Academy is a school that all nobles, both military and civilian officials alike, must attend. Without graduating from this academy, one is generally not recognized as a noble of the country. Hence, my father also attended this prestigious school.
Since commuting from afar is anticipated, facilities such as girls’ dormitories and boys’ dormitories are well-equipped.
For children of civil officials, many work and live at the mansions of influential nobles in the royal capital under the pretext of learning manners while attending school.
Needless to say, the Melissa family has a villa in the royal capital too. If we use the main roads, it takes about three hours one way from the Melissa family’s territory, so commuting from the main residence is possible.
I’ve been thinking that commuting from Grandpa Hana’s house might be nice, but getting up and preparing every day for school might be a bit tough by myself since there are no servants at Grandpa Hana’s place…
After all, Grandpa Hana lives life at a very relaxed pace. He’s so laid-back that he tends to think ‘It’ll be fine if I’m just a little late~’.
If I keep saying ‘just a little,’ there’s a danger of forgetting to go to school.
Besides, Grandpa Hana’s house is full of temptation with alchemy tools and herbal research papers. And fresh herbs are delivered daily to the nearby clinic from the national army… Too many distractions.
You understand yourself, right Rō-chan?
Anyway, it seems like the boys from military families attending the academy are the ones lining up outside the shop, talking excitedly about their crushes.
They boastfully discussed how cute someone was during yesterday’s class or whether she might have feelings for them, the kind of youthful banter that makes you want to eavesdrop.
Good… good… It’s the prime of youth…
It’s the kind of tantalizing conversation that makes you want to join in and listen.
“Don’t you have a fiancée or something by the time you get to Dorao -sama’s level?”
“No, my family believes in love marriages… Maybe because my father found his destined lover at the academy, so he tells us not to rely on our parents.”
“Ahh… The story of the Marquis of the Frontier is famous! So cool!”
“If you’re as strong as Dorao -sama, any woman would fall head over heels.”
Hmm hmm, great? Having followers is great? This blatant flattery is something Rō-chan enjoys.
“Oh, well, I can’t deny it, but a suitable partner for me isn’t easy to find… actually, I happened to meet her already, so I’m not worried.”
“For real?!”
“Who is it?!! What kind of beauty is she?”
“From which family?!!”
The followers erupted in excitement.
Turns out, even popular guys have someone they fancy.
“When I first came to the royal capital… I met her by chance in the castle garden… The moment I saw her, I thought, ‘What a lovely face.’”
First impressions matter, right? In other words, he liked her face. Very straightforward and commendable.
But what kind of situation is meeting in the castle garden? Maybe a tea party hosted by the royal family?
No doubt it was an encounter between distinguished families.
While admiring the garden, a beautiful noble lady appeared amidst blooming flowers, causing love at first sight.
Romantic, right? That’s destiny, isn’t it?
Such an Instagram-worthy memory!
“What happened then?”
“Did you talk to her?”
“Oh, of course. I immediately approached her… and, well… She seemed interested in me too… We exchanged gifts.”
In this world where “the early bird catches the worm” is the default, things progress quickly in relationships too, perhaps due to the fear of losing something valuable if not claimed swiftly.
In other words, the girl wasn’t entirely uninterested either. They exchanged gifts that very day, advancing to a basic boyfriend-girlfriend relationship…
This, this… it’s truly a story-like development.
Their parents must have been quite surprised.
Well, given it was a tea party hosted by the royal family, it might have been a matchmaking event after all?
“What did you receive?”
“Considering it was the royal castle, I don’t think you’d prepare gifts beforehand… maybe a brooch or a ribbon?”
“Receiving something wearable from a girl whose face you really like sounds great!! Amazing!”
“Well, indeed, neither of us expected to meet, so we didn’t have anything prepared… But she happened to give me some medicinal herbs.”
“Medicinal herbs?!”
“Medicinal herbs?!”
“!!”
What?!
Noble ladies who carry medicinal herbs into the royal castle are rare gems indeed.
I feel like I could become really good friends with her.
Dating while growing herbs or gathering them sounds fun.
I’d love to be introduced to her.
“The herb she gave me that day was called Moon Bell Herb…”
“!!”
What exquisite taste!!
I thought medicinal herbs would be basic ones, like common dandelions growing everywhere… but I was wrong.
It’s an incredibly expensive herb.
Her love for herbs and discerning eye are impressive.
In my book, this young lady scores top marks.
There are noble kids with similar interests after all?
Even within the Melissa family, descendants of generations cultivating herbs, my discussions about herbs often received lukewarm responses. I thought it was a peculiar hobby.
Even my younger brother Heinrich shows no interest in plain herbs…
However, the unfortunate thing is that this esteemed young lady is so smitten with him that she’d casually give away Moon Bell Herb.
If it were me, I’d refuse even if offered.
Surely, she must have seriously fallen for this young man.
As expected, a noble lady with martial inclinations wouldn’t leave room for a softie like me.
Wishing them happiness…
Though, considering he has followers, he might be the son of someone important, possibly with a title?
“……Come to think of it, Dorao -sama, I just realized… Isn’t it kinda concerning for a noble lady to carry serious medicinal herbs around the royal castle?”
“…Now that you mention it… I can only think of one family with a beautiful face, carrying medicinal herbs, and allowed entry into the castle.”
“Is that so? I don’t know, but we’re getting married in the future.”
Huh? Wait a minute?
Didn’t this guy casually mention Moon Bell Herb?
He got presented with such a connoisseur’s herb and didn’t react like “Grass lol” but instead thought, “Such an expensive herb! Marriage is inevitable!”
In other words…??
Both husband and wife love medicinal herbs!!
Great!
I sincerely hope these two will remain happy, bound by the connection of herbs. And build a house with plenty of herbs in the garden, occasionally inviting me over.
A family-friendship based on herbal bonds seems highly plausible, doesn’t it?
And right now, I happen to have some herbs with me!
If I conspicuously “accidentally drop” Ao Ki grass in front of him, surely he, being an herb enthusiast, would respond with, “Is that… Could it be? An herb? Actually, I’m also fond of herbs…” leading to a natural deepening of our conversation.
Perfect…
Even without initiating a conversation, I’m sure I’ll naturally become friends through this thread of dialogue!
My first friend of the same generation, breaking free from being alone! I can show off to Brother Bark who worries about my social awkwardness!
So, let’s flutter the Ao Ki grass a bit…
Approaching their circle… heart pounding while timing it, I reached into my inner pocket when suddenly, my body lifted and spun around.
“??”
“Lowell-sama, forgive me for intruding, but I’ve come to pick you up.”
“Good morning, Grou-san.”
“Yes, good morning.”
With a cheerful response, Grou-san continued to carry me briskly towards the Daimyo mansion.
Grou-san is the butler of Louis’ house.
When visiting Louis’ house while he’s asleep, he kindly serves tea and snacks or plays with me.
However, in the blink of an eye, Roro’s shop disappeared from view!
“Rou-chan was on a morning walk, so he can walk by himself, right?”
“That’s excellent… How was your breakfast today?”
“It was a hamburger! Big and satisfying!”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Changing the topic, huh?
Well, since it’s already happening, it’s alright to be carried along, right?
Reading the atmosphere, Rou-chan pretends to be a doll and leaves it to him.
“Lowell-sama, what kind of person do you prefer?”
“?”
“Were you not about to approach someone earlier? I thought there might be someone who caught your interest.”
“I think I’d like to date someone who loves herbs.”
“I see, I see… Then, they must be from a military family, since they grow herbs nearby.”
“!!”
Only now do I realize.
Indeed, military families often deal with injuries from training, so they grow up surrounded by herbs… There might be many who understand herbs.
Suppose, hypothetically, I start dating a child from a military family… They’d likely use up the medicine I made in excess, given their frequent injuries.
Moreover, it’s easier to check the effectiveness of medicines on healing wounds.
Furthermore, military families are weak against flattery, so most things can be managed with praise.
I’m starting to think that a child from a military family might not be bad either.
They could help when creating an herb garden… A friend who can handle physical labor… Great!
“Military families are loyal and don’t betray, making them the best companions… Since the bloodline of the frontier marquis keeps the national army under management, the army’s herb fields…”
“Grou, what nonsense are you feeding Rou-chan?”
Louis, radiating killer intent, suddenly appeared before us.
I was gently placed on the ground by Grou-san.
“Honestly, you never let your guard down!! Rou-chan! Don’t get deceived by Grou!!”
“To deceive? I merely asked Lowell-sama about his preferences, helping to find an ideal match…”
“There’s no need for that!! Grou, stop interfering! I forbid it! Absolutely no funny business!! Rou-chan, let’s talk about love stories only with Louis!!”
Talking about love stories with Louis… sounds fun.
I’d love to hear about the paths walked by predecessors, the “Louis Love Love Road.”
But Grou-san seems well-connected; if I ask him to introduce me to herb-loving kids gradually from acquaintances to friends, he might do it.
“Hey, Rou-chan?! What’s with that look?! Don’t rely on Grou!! Only military kids will come!! Just arrogant brats showing off!! They have no concept of adjusting to others!!”
“…”
But the stoic uncle warriors who frequent our neighborhood prioritize Rou-chan. Their culture of consideration means that after years of service in the national army, they understand implicitly without needing to be told. For introverted Rou-chan, it might be a surprisingly good fit. Both being socially awkward means their conversations and silences align well.
“Dinner is meat and hard bread, you know? Are you really okay with that?”
“Ah, Grou-san, no need to worry about Rou-chan~”
For a moment, I thought it might be okay, but differing eating habits are a significant obstacle.
I can’t reconcile with the type who insists wooden chips are bread.
Our lives were meant to never intersect.
“So, Rou-chan, where were you? Being picked up by Grou means you were at the pleasure district?”
“An early riser like me was having breakfast! The buns at Louis’ shop were delicious!”
“Oh, Roro started serving breakfast today, right! You went already. Louis should go later too.”
“They might sell out since there’s a line.”
“Eh, Grou, can you buy some for me?”
“Understood.”
And so, Rou-chan’s wonderful day began once again with the morning at the Daimyo mansion.