*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:

• Invest with Vanguard
• Trade with Fidelity
• Start with Schwab

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!

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The Bride-Hunting Tale: I’ve Failed 20 Marriage Proposals Already. I Don’t Need Titles Like Dragon Slayer or Hero Who Saved the Nation—All I Want Is a Cute Wife!

Duke Forls.

It might sound repetitive, but he’s truly a central pillar of the Empire — a noble among nobles. In terms of history, pedigree, wealth, territory, power, and influence, his family name does not shame the title of premier aristocrat. On top of that, the Duke himself is a brilliant man who has risen to the rank of Chancellor thanks to both his personality and abilities.

Of course, his noble lineage and the fact that he was a schoolmate of the current Emperor surely helped, but his achievements are so outstanding that no other high-ranking noble dares to attribute his success to just luck or background.

I’ve met him a few times as a representative of my father, the Margrave of Lestar, but my impression of the Duke has always been the same — extremely strict.

Perhaps it’s the weight of his position as Chancellor, or the fact that he’s served as the Crown Prince’s — now the Emperor’s — right-hand man for many years, commanding the chaotic world of noble society with remarkable leadership. His overwhelming dignity made it impossible to joke around or even speak unless absolutely necessary.

According to rumors, he’s also quite skilled with a sword and still trains regularly. You can tell just by observing how he carries himself.

And now that very man is glaring at me with a stern expression.

Honestly, it’s incredibly uncomfortable.

What? Is he glowering at me?

Because I arrived in a carriage with his beloved daughter?

No, no, it’s not like that between me and Lis!

“…Still being forced to take care of work in the capital, I see. Galis really is a troublesome fellow.”

“Well, yeah. He never listens to anything I say, so I’d really appreciate it if Your Excellency the Chancellor could give him a good scolding.”

He calls my shitty old man by a nickname, so I guess they’re fairly close. Come to think of it, if the Emperor and my dad are the same age and went to school together, that must mean the Duke was their schoolmate too. I’ve never heard it mentioned before, though.

Even so, with my father’s irresponsible personality and the Duke’s strict nature, I can’t imagine they got along too well.

“It won’t make much difference coming from me either… By the way—”

The Duke’s tone dropped a level.

That’s terrifying.

“I hear you’re quite close with Lislante?”

Whoa, he came at me head-on.

“Well, um, yes, that’s true. I think we get along fairly well. It’s more like a same-gender friendship, though.”

I made sure to imply we’re not romantically involved.

“…I see. Well, she can be a bit peculiar, so she’s probably been a nuisance. But I’m counting on you.”

After giving me a slightly startled look at my reply, the Duke sighed as if troubled, then turned on his heel and walked away.

“There’s still some time before it begins. I’ll have you wait in a separate room. Lislante, I leave him to you.”

“Yes, Father.”

Without even looking back, the Duke strode off.

“Sorry about that. He’s not very friendly. It looks like not all the guests have arrived yet, so let’s kill about half an hour.”

Lis led me to a reception room.

It was reasonably spacious. The furnishings were subdued, but of such high quality that even a glance was enough to tell. I imagine there are many more rooms like this in the mansion.

“Tonight’s banquet — you’re aiming to talk to the young ladies, right, Fo?”

“Of course!”

That’s the whole point of being here.

I know I probably won’t get close to anyone in just one evening, but at the very least I want to find a young lady who shows promise.

Ideally, I’d meet a gentle second or third daughter from a viscount or baron household.

“Unfortunately, I’m on the hosting side today. I’d like to be escorted by you someday, but for tonight, we won’t be able to stay together. So don’t overdo it, okay?”

“I know, I know. I definitely don’t want to get on the Chancellor’s radar.”

And more importantly, I don’t want the young ladies to be put off by me.

At the very least, I’ll do my best to act like a gentleman on the surface.

As I clenched my fist with renewed resolve, Lis sighed in genuine exasperation.

Banquets hosted by high-ranking nobles follow certain procedures — or rather, unspoken rules.

One well-known rule is that lower-ranked nobles enter the venue first, and the host enters last.

Tea parties or informal gatherings might be more relaxed, but formal banquets have a lot of subtle rules. If you break them, people think you lack common sense.

Our family — the Lestar household, infamously dubbed “barbarians with titles” — has never hosted a banquet or even been invited to one, so of course we’re clueless about these unwritten rules.

That’s why, over the past few days, I learned what I could from Lis and a few lower-ranking noble friends who’ve attended banquets before.

And even now, right up until the last minute, I was peppering a very tired-looking Lis with questions.

“Lady Lislante, it’s time. Please come to His Grace the Duke. Lord Fodilt, you’ll be escorted to the venue as well.”

After waiting a full half-hour, a maid from the Duke’s household finally arrived with the announcement.

Lis and I stood from the sofa and left the room, heading in separate directions.

“Well then, Fo, good luck.”

“Yeah, thanks for everything. Let’s talk again later if we get a chance.”

In response to my smile and raised fist, Lis only gave a sigh. Why?

Led by the maid, I entered the banquet hall — a space so vast it could probably swallow a lower noble’s entire estate.

The large windows were open, revealing the gardens bathed in the deepening twilight.

There were already well over a hundred nobles and their families present. For some reason, a lot of them were murmuring and glancing at me.

“That’s the heir to the Lestar Margraviate?”

“So that’s the Demon Lord himself.”

“He’s never even attended a tea party before — why now?”

“He looks surprisingly normal.”

“He’s that small?”

Apparently, everyone’s shocked that someone from the Lestar household — a family with no ties to noble society — is attending a banquet hosted by Duke Forls.

Well, I guess it’s not surprising. We’ve never been invited to anything like this, let alone hosted one ourselves. They even call us mountain apes and barbarians.

But that last guy… I’m remembering your face!

I’m not small. I’m just a late bloomer!

While trying to maintain a polite smile, I grumbled internally.

According to Lis, my thoughts show clearly on my face, so I need to be careful.

Refocusing myself, I glanced around the hall as casually as possible.

As expected, several unmarried young ladies were present. I even recognized a few faces from the academy.

Apparently, it’s common for married or engaged ladies to wear long gloves that reach above the elbow, which makes things easier to distinguish.

As I was strategizing how to approach them, the Duke, his wife, and Lis entered the hall. The gathered nobles erupted into applause to greet them.

Lis supposedly has a younger brother, but he hasn’t debuted in society yet, so he’s not here tonight.

“We thank you for attending tonight’s banquet hosted by our ducal house. Though it’s the same as always, we hope you’ll enjoy yourselves without formality.”

With that brief address, the Duke raised his glass.

“To the Aglant Empire and our great Emperor!”

“To the Aglant Empire and our great Emperor!”

Everyone in the hall echoed in unison.

Now then, time to begin the search for a bride.