*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!
Yeah, Yeah, Another World, Another World
“It was the right call to leave this for last, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah, totally.”
Rocco and I were absentmindedly watching people pass by as we bit into our skewers.
After gathering all the necessary equipment and supplies for our labyrinth exploration, we had come to a clothing store as our final stop of the day.
A little while ago, while we were carefully picking out a backpack, the conversation somehow turned to where Osart-chan lived.
“Just past the north gate.”
“Past the…?”
“There’s a bridge.”
“A bridge…?”
“Underneath it.”
“Aaaaaaahhhhhh!!!”
Upon hearing this, Okuda and Matsushita-san hugged Osart-chan so tightly that it seemed like their insides might spill out, and they immediately declared they were bringing them back to the inn.
Okuda asked the others to do the rest of the shopping on their behalf, then ran to the inn to fetch a pair of Earth-made scissors.
Afterward, they took Osart-chan to the bathhouse for a full scrub-down, followed by a haircut. Now, freshly maintained and sparkling clean, Osart-chan was being treated like a dress-up doll at the clothing store. And that brings us to now.
“You can just grab some clothes at random and be done in under two minutes, you know?”
“That’s exactly your problem.”
The two of us continued to watch the people passing by.
◇◇◇◇◇
The next morning, all seven of us stood in front of the adventurer’s guild reception counter.
We lined up at the desk where Rio was stationed. Judging by the number of people in her line, it seemed she was quite a popular receptionist.
The guild in the morning was a stark contrast to the previous day—it was now overflowing with people, resembling a showcase of villainous-looking faces.
“Hey, Rocco , you babysitting brats now? Suits a scaredy-cat like you!”
Almost every adventurer we made eye contact with reacted like this—not exactly the kind of conversation you’d want middle schoolers to hear.
So, I decided to translate the exchange for the Inaba siblings.
“Ahem. What he actually said was: ‘Good morning, Rocco -san. Are you mentoring the younger generation today? A cautious person like you is perfect for the job. Best of luck.'”
Hearing that, Aoi-chan nodded thoughtfully.
“I see, so it’s an organization that values camaraderie.”
Impressive. Her comprehension skills are top-notch.
◇◇◇◇◇
“Good morning. Today marks your first labyrinth expedition. Here is the registration request. Please take a look.”
Unlike yesterday, Rio spoke in a polite tone as she flipped the request form around and presented it to us.
“Good morning. Uh… sorry, I can’t read, so could you explain the request to me verbally?”
Damn. That was a bit embarrassing. Maybe I should’ve brought my translation sunglasses.
“Understood. Allow me to explain.”
The request was to collect 5kg of magically infused copper from a box on the second underground floor of the labyrinth. If we couldn’t find the box, we could also obtain magic copper by hunting the kobolds roaming the same floor.
Any excess magic copper beyond 5kg would be bought for 110 rin per kilogram.
Magic copper… what a cute-sounding name.
“How do we tell if it’s magically infused?”
“??? You just channel magic into it, and it glows faintly?”
Uh-oh. That was apparently common knowledge.
“Rocco , can you do it?”
We could probably manage by handling it the same way we used magic when operating the Salmon Rod, but I figured it was best to confirm.
“’Course I can.”
“Got it. Then we’ll get started on the request.”
After bowing to Rio, we left the adventurer’s guild.
◇◇◇◇◇
Our party was now crossing the bridge just past the north gate.
“So this is where Osart-chan’s home used to be, huh?”
Oops. I said that out loud.
“!!!!!!!”
Once again, Osart-chan was being embraced by Okuda and Matsushita-san, nearly squeezing her so tight that her insides looked like they might pop out.
Thanks to the various equipment they had purchased the day before, the group now looked like they belonged in this world, no longer standing out.
Osart-chan’s equipment had also been upgraded. Draped in the same cloak as the others, she no longer resembled a starved child living under a bridge. Instead, she now had the appearance of a relatively well-dressed fledgling adventurer.
Beneath the cloak, she wore leather armor, so she likely wouldn’t suffer much damage even if she were to take a tumble.
They had yet to ask her why she had been living in such a place.
If she chose to talk about it, they would listen, but they had no intention of prying.
More than anything, they hoped that from now on, her life would never again be plagued by hunger.
Incidentally, Okuda was the only one wearing a cloak made from a waterproof sheet with a black cat design, making him stand out quite a bit.
According to him, he was aiming for a “nickname.”
Suddenly, Hayato-kun pointed at an adventurer walking ahead and said,
“Look, that guy is staring at the ground while walking!”
H-Hey, cut that out!!
◇◇◇◇◇
“Do kobolds speak?”
I asked Rocco .
“??? Nope, not at all. Do they talk in your country, Aniki?”
“Nah, they don’t. But our party tries to avoid killing intelligent species with their own culture whenever possible, even if people label them as monsters. If you ever come across a monster that has its own culture, let us know in advance.”
“Huh? Got it.”
I figured it was best to explain our group’s principles to Rocco before we got into a situation we couldn’t take back.
“If we’re talking about that, I’ve heard that some dragons can speak human language.”
“What? Really? Do you know what dragons like to eat?”
“Huh? No idea. Why?”
“If we ever meet one, I thought it might be nice to bring a gift and try talking to it.”
“You’d probably get roasted before you could hand it over.”
“You’re wrong, Rocco !!!”
Oh no, I can feel an isekai lecture coming.
“Dragons that have lived in misty sacred peaks since ancient times seek individuals worthy of inheriting their power and wisdom.”
“If they’re looking for someone like that, wouldn’t it make more sense for them to leave the mountain and search themselves?”
Rocco , brutal honesty isn’t always necessary.
“Silence!”
Wow, I’ve never heard someone actually say “Silence!” outside of anime or manga.
“You can’t just recklessly challenge such dragons to battle. First, you need to have a peaceful conversation and prove your intelligence. Only then should you engage in battle.”
“So, you’re still gonna fight them in the end?”
“By exchanging blows and recognizing each other’s strength, a bond is formed! And once that bond is established, the dragon will carry us upon its back and soar through the skies!”
“That has nothing to do with wisdom!”
Rocco ’s retorts are on point.
“Silence!”
Oh, we’re looping now.
◇◇◇◇◇
About 30 minutes after leaving the North Gate, the group finally arrived at the dungeon entrance.
Before them stood a massive stone gate. Beside it, a small wooden hut sat unassumingly, likely serving as a resting place for the dungeon guards.
A few street vendors had set up shop near the entrance, selling simple breakfasts to adventurers. The scene reminded me of those standing noodle shops at train stations.
At the entrance, guards or dungeon supervisors were checking adventurers’ passes.
Following the example of the adventurers ahead, we held up the entrance passes given to us by the guild. Without any issues, we were granted entry into the dungeon.
◇◇◇◇◇
“So big!”
“So tall!”
Nagano and Okuda, in their rich vocabulary, expressed their amazement at the entrance hall of the dungeon, which was so vast that even the Great Buddha of Tōdaiji could probably stand up and dance without issue.
“We’re heading down that corridor.”
Rocco pointed to a passage about 5 meters wide.
True to its name, the dungeon sprawled out into multiple corridors leading in different directions.
Depending on their objectives, other adventurers also disappeared into different passageways.
◇◇◇◇◇
The map given to us when we accepted this quest showed a route leading to an area where the magic-infused copper chests were more likely to be found.
Since the chests spawned randomly, there was always a chance we wouldn’t find a single one.
Following the designated route, the group moved forward when Rocco suddenly spoke up in a cautious tone.
“A goblin is coming from the front.”
Rocco readied a short sword about 50 cm in length in his right hand, while holding a round buckler in his left.
A dim figure approached from the darkness of the passage.
The party prepared for combat, waiting until the figure was clearly visible.
“I’ll take it.”
Aoi-chan muttered, her voice quiet.
I instinctively stepped away from her, expecting the same powerful heat ray that had previously turned a goblin to charcoal.
Instead, a thread-thin beam of concentrated energy shot from the tip of her staff, piercing the goblin’s forehead in an instant.
The goblin collapsed forward.
A faint scent of burnt flesh lingered in the air.
“W-What was that?”
Hell if I know.
“That was a weaker version of Zoltarak.”
Aoi-chan replied.
When had she developed something like that? Apparently, it was a modified version of the original Zoltarak spell, which had been too costly due to its high magic stone consumption. This new version had been refined for everyday use.
Though impressed by its power, I still had to point something out.
“If there was someone standing behind that goblin, it could’ve been dangerous. Try to use that only when there’s a wall behind your target.”
“Oh, I didn’t even think about that. I’ll be more careful next time.”
“Good.”
“‘Good’? No, that’s not good at all! Why do you look so satisfied?! That was a serious issue!”
Rocco fired off multiple rapid-fire retorts. I hoped he’d cut me some slack, since I was just as surprised as he was.
“By the way, compared to the magic that other adventurers use, how was it?”
Just in case, I asked Rocco how out of place Aoi-chan’s spell was.
“Well, I usually work alone, so I’m not an expert on how magic tool users fight.”
He prefaced before continuing.
“But generally speaking, magic tool users don’t kill monsters with magic.”
…Looks like we messed up already.
“I’m sure there are stronger spells out there, but I’ve never seen anything like that before.”
“I-I see…”
“The magic tool users I know use fireballs to scare enemies, launch small stone bullets to slow them down, or cover them in sticky liquid to hinder movement.”
“So basically, they’re debuffers.”
Would that even translate properly?
“So yeah… that spell was seriously bad news.”
“A-ah… well, in our country, magic tools like that exist… maybe…?”
“No way! If a bunch of those things existed, every nation around here would’ve been wiped out!”
I had dug myself into a hole. That was a fair point.
“A-alright, let’s just keep this a secret! No telling anyone!”
“Don’t just wrap it up like that because you can’t come up with a better excuse!”
“Silence!”
Oh, this is really handy.
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