*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!
Defected Dark Healer’s Rise to Wealth
Inside the enormous hollow of the World Tree, within the deepest chamber of the throne room.
“──!!!”
The Sage of the East, Marrow, who had been standing, jolted as if struck by an electric shock.
“No way… Impossible…!”
Staggering as if in a daze, he walked toward the throne, collapsed into the seat, and hung his head.
“Unbelievable…”
He muttered under his breath.
Could he have been mistaken about what he had just sensed? He focused his mind again to confirm.
…No connection.
The link with the vessel he had been controlling moments ago was completely severed.
That vessel should have been the strongest among them, capable of easily eliminating even a high-ranking officer of the Demon Nation.
“Could it really have been killed? Again…?”
Marrow lowered his head deeply.
Of course, he felt anger toward the vessel that had been slain by such a lowly creature. But more than that, his heart was consumed by confusion.
…How many times in the past millennia had things not gone according to his will???
And even then, it was only against other Sages or the Demon King, Lumac.
Against mere Demon Nation officers, they were little more than bothersome flies.
Much less against some nameless entity—a mere Dark Healer. Never before had such an insignificant being become an obstacle to him.
Yet, it had happened twice in such a short span of time.
The same Dark Healer had interfered with Marrow’s path.
They had taken down two of his vessels—an act that could no longer be ignored.
“A new vessel…”
Marrow glanced at the remaining vessels lined up beside the throne—but then, he hesitated.
…The strongest vessel was just killed, wasn’t it? Would the next one even stand a chance?
That thought flickered through his mind.
No—it invaded his mind.
“Don’t… screw with me!!!”
Creak… creak…
The tremendous holy power surging from Marrow’s body caused the World Tree to groan in protest.
…Did I, even for a second, entertain the thought that I could lose to that insignificant Dark Healer!?
It was the greatest humiliation.
Like a mythical dragon cowering before a rat.
Ridiculous.
Such a thing could never be allowed.
With fury blazing in his eyes, Marrow bellowed,
“Oi! Someone, come here at once!”
Immediately, several elves rushed into the throne room.
They had been standing by just outside, ready to answer Marrow’s call at any moment.
“What is your command, Lord Marrow?”
“Relay my orders to all elves on the battlefield. Gather at the northern warfront immediately.”
“Ah…!? E-even the elves from the south?”
“Enough questions. All of them.“
Marrow’s glare was sharp as a blade.
“Crush Urklow and his forces. They will no doubt try to push the frontlines forward while their momentum lasts.”
“I-I see…”
“Give them just enough resistance to slow them down, let them think they can keep advancing, and lure them into a position where they can no longer retreat. Then, strike from behind with the forces amassed from the south.”
“A pincer attack to annihilate them?”
“Precisely.”
“Is the primary objective the elimination of Urklow ?”
“You already said it yourself. Annihilation. Not a single one is to escape.”
Marrow spat out his words with a click of his tongue.
“Especially that Dark Healer in their ranks. Make sure they are eliminated. At all costs.“
“T-the Dark Healer, sir…?”
“…What? Do you have an issue with that?”
“N-no, nothing at all.”
The elf knew better than to ask why.
Asking such a thing would only earn them another ‘enough questions’—and this time, possibly a swift beheading.
“We shall carry out your orders at once.”
As the elves turned to leave the throne room—
“──Lord Marrow! Urgent report!”
A different elf burst into the chamber.
One of the commanders stationed at the northern battlefield.
He had clearly rushed here at full speed, panting heavily, his face pale.
“What is it? I was just about to order the elimination of Urklow ’s forces.”
“T-that’s exactly it! Urklow … is approaching the World Tree!!!“
“Hmph, his beast forces must be slowly pushing the frontlines forward. Let them have their small victory.”
Marrow scoffed.
This was well within his expectations.
…Let them savor their fleeting triumph. Soon, I will drag them into the depths of hell.
Marrow smirked—but the elf shook his head furiously.
“No, Lord Marrow! You don’t understand!”
Pointing beyond the World Tree, the elf shouted—
“Urklow is already right there!!!“
“…What?”
A dumbfounded voice escaped Marrow’s lips.
Then—
BOOM!
A tremor echoed through the World Tree.
Likely the result of multiple large-scale holy spells detonating nearby.
“What in the world is happening!?”
Marrow rushed out of the throne room and turned toward the source of the sound.
Beyond the World Tree’s settlement, at the edge of its protective barrier, the elves were hurling spell after spell at a single point.
A thick cloud of dust rose into the air.
“What are they attacking…?”
Before anyone could answer, the truth became evident.
A violent whirlwind slashed through the dust cloud—cutting down the elves along with it.
Blood rained down in its wake.
And at the center of it all—
“GYAHAHAHA! Good day to you, elves!“
A thunderous, roaring laugh.
Marrow knew that voice.
“N-no… How is he here!?”
A silver-furred beast—Urklow .
Impossible!
Marrow’s sharp eyes widened to a degree unseen in centuries.
With each swipe of his claws, elves were torn apart like scraps of paper.
“This can’t be! He’s too fast!”
Even if his whole unit was running, there was no way they could all move as fast as Urklow .
Then how had they advanced this quickly—
“Wait… Did he abandon his forces!?”
A realization struck Marrow like a bolt of lightning.
I see it now!
After taking down my vessel—an act that must have felt like a miracle—they got overconfident.
They must have thought, ‘Now’s our chance!’
“…Hah! That must be it!”
In that case, this was an opportunity!
Urklow had endured countless attacks—he couldn’t be unscathed.
If every elf in the settlement surrounded him, they could grind him down.
“Hah, such foolish, simple-minded creatures. Let them have a few worthless elf lives. If we take down Urklow , it’s well worth the cost—”
Just as Marrow was about to declare victory, he caught a glimpse of something.
A flutter of white fabric behind Urklow .
“…No! He’s not alone! The Dark Healer is with him!“
A cold sweat trickled down Marrow’s spine.
Urklow ’s resilience was legendary.
As long as he could ignore his wounds, he could fight indefinitely.
If they let this battle drag on, the elves would fall before he did.
“Marrow-sama! Urklow isn’t stopping!!!“
Panicked elves fled toward the great branches beneath the throne room.
“──What do we do, Lord Marrow!? The barrier isn’t holding!”
“──Our spells aren’t even scratching him!”
“──He’s tearing through us like we’re nothing!”
Marrow’s subordinates had no ability to act on their own.
They had always relied on his orders.
“Lord Marrow!”
“Lord Marrow!”
“Lord Marrow!!!”
Their voices overlapped in a desperate chorus.
Urklow , hearing it, grinned.
“Sitting on your throne playing sage, huh? You’re nothing but a clown.“
His words reached Marrow’s ears clearly.
Snap.
“…Damn you.”
Marrow’s reason snapped.
“How dare a lowly beast mock me!?”
With a furious glare, he roared—
“Every single elf in the World Tree—FOLLOW ME!”
And with that, Marrow took to the skies, soaring toward the battlefield.