*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!
The Homeless Camper Wants to Live Leisurely in a Dungeon ~Even Dangerous Deep-Layer Monsters Are Just Ingredients to Me~
※This is the bulletin board for the Twin’s Channel stream until the last episode.
It’s slightly more comedic and longer.
※The next episode will have a new development, so if you don’t want to read the bulletin board, skipping it won’t affect the story.
――――――――――――――――――
123: Anonymous Listener
Whoa, the number of waiting listeners for the Dungeon Twins Channel is insane…
124: Anonymous Listener
Well, it’s because the one who’s been monopolizing all the recent news topics is showing up.
125: Anonymous Listener
That press conference stream got massively shared. Recently, Nijino’s been really cocky, so it’s kind of hilarious, lol.
126: Anonymous Listener
Totally!
It used to be a serious攻略 channel, but now it’s all about collabs with cute girls. It’s so boring.
And they only pick cute idol streamers, too!
127: Anonymous Listener
Jealous much!
Honestly, collabing with cute girls boosts viewership and subscriber numbers, so it’s a win-win for both sides.
128: Anonymous Listener
But seriously, did he really hunt the irregular monster Behemoth?
129: Anonymous Listener
The Dungeon Association officially confirmed it.
They even investigated the 35th floor and confirmed there were no Behemoths.
130: Anonymous Listener
If I went to the 35th floor and it was still there, I’d probably be traumatized.
An irregular Behemoth is no joke…
131: Anonymous Listener
Oh, looks like the stream is about to start!
256: Anonymous Listener
Huh?! Did he just call Kana-chan and Runa-chan by their names without honorifics? Is he serious?
257: Anonymous Listener
That’s only allowed for handsome guys. There’s no way you could pull it off, lol.
258: Anonymous Listener
Same goes for you, lol.
But still, this is definitely making the Twin Channel’s listeners really mad.
259: Anonymous Listener
Old man, that’s outdated, lol.
But still, it’s almost as dramatic as an Inferno level.
260: Anonymous Listener
I don’t even know what you’re talking about, lol…
261: Anonymous Listener
It’s an old phrase, so just ignore it, lol.
But seriously, the Twin Channel has a lot of hardcore fans, so it’s kind of scary.
262: Anonymous Listener
The old-school fan club members who trusted those two during the incident are intense.
I have to admit, I respect how they still believed in them despite everything.
263: Anonymous Listener
For sure, if that guy hadn’t shown up, the public opinion would’ve completely been in Nijino’s favor.
342: Anonymous Listener
No way, soloing after the 20th floor is just asking for death, lol.
343: Anonymous Listener
This is starting to sound less credible now.
345: Anonymous Listener
Well, if we don’t think that way, there’s no way you could solo an irregular Behemoth.
346: Anonymous Listener
If it’s solo, he either got extremely lucky or has some insane magical items.
347: Anonymous Listener
Cheat-level weapons and armor are just on another level in terms of performance.
348: Anonymous Listener
Wow, you’re generously sharing the information for free.
I’ll forgive you for calling them by their names without honorifics.
349: Anonymous Listener
How full of yourself are you, lol?
But yeah, this info is useful for other explorers and streamers, so I’ll praise you for that.
350: Anonymous Listener
So you’re like royalty, huh?
Explorers and streamers are definitely taking more safety precautions these days, but accidents still happen.
It’s best when there are no accidents, though.
621: Anonymous Listener
Ugh, what was that just now?!
I couldn’t see anything at all…
622: Anonymous Listener
It was so fast, I couldn’t even catch it!
It’s like they’ve completely stopped being human in their movements, so it’s not helpful at all, lol.
623: Anonymous Listener
If you watch it in slow motion, you can see that they cut off the Minotaur’s tough neck in one clean strike…
And even in slow motion, it’s just afterimages. How insane is that?!
624: Anonymous Listener
The movements of Kana-chan and Runa-chan, who I thought were amazing just a second ago, now look like child’s play!
625: Anonymous Listener
Well, the two of them are idol streamers, and their levels are pretty high, but this guy’s movements are just way too crazy, lol.
626: Anonymous Listener
If we’re not careful, he might be faster than Japan’s top explorer, right?
627: Anonymous Listener
That seems possible, which is terrifying.
He could be over the 50th floor and it wouldn’t even be surprising.
628: Anonymous Listener
Yeah, I’m starting to believe it.
If the info he just shared turns out to be true, I’ll believe in him about 50%.
629: Anonymous Listener
I’m still not convinced, lol.
630: Anonymous Listener
If it’s a real-time stream, you should trust him, lol.
631: Anonymous Listener
Well, there were a lot of fake information videos and edited videos in the past.
I’ve been tricked by thumbnails more times than I can count…
632: Anonymous Listener
≫631
Right, comrade!
Back then, it was all about clickbait titles and thumbnails.
633: Anonymous Listener
If there was a video with a title like “Idol Streamer Surrounded by Goblins!!” I’d definitely watch it, because that’s just how men are…
634: Anonymous Listener
≫633
Exactly!!
635: Anonymous Listener
≫633
I totally get it!!
636: Anonymous Listener
≫633
I agree, 100%!!
637: Anonymous Listener
≫634-636
You guys are so in sync, lol.
638: Anonymous Listener
In reality, the goblins just broke a little bit of their armor, and then the party just slaughtered the goblins. That’s all the video was.
639: Anonymous Listener
What the hell is that, give us back our innocence!
640: Anonymous Listener
No, it’s definitely not innocence, lol.
641: Anonymous Listener
Oh, looks like the stream’s about to end.
642: Anonymous Listener
At least now we know that guy is pretty dangerous.
He said he wouldn’t stream anymore, but the Dungeon Association won’t just let him go.
643: Anonymous Listener
Well, as long as the Japan Dungeon Association is allowing entry into the dungeon, there’s nothing anyone can do.
644: Anonymous Listener
But that guy’s strength is only useful inside the dungeon.
Outside, I’m the rich guy, winning!
645: Anonymous Listener
Shut up, NEET!
You’re obviously free since you’re posting on the bulletin board in real time. Case closed, lol.
646: Anonymous Listener
A true winner wouldn’t come to a place like this.
647: Anonymous Listener
Don’t call it a dump, lol.
648: Anonymous Listener
By the way, what should we call that guy?
649: Anonymous Listener
It’s hard to just say “that guy” or “this guy.”
Alright, I’m declaring the 256th episode of the “Handsome Guy Nickname Battle!”
650: Anonymous Listener
This is going to be a total mess, lol.
651: Anonymous Listener
And now, a sudden mysterious competition!
The Prince of Halitosis!
652: Anonymous Listener
But I kind of like it.
The Disappointing Handsome!
653: Anonymous Listener
You guys have way too much hate for handsome guys, lol.
654: Anonymous Listener
He’s been cutting off Minotaur’s heads, so how about the Executioner?
655: Anonymous Listener
What the heck, why Executioner, lol?
656: Anonymous Listener
Death Scythe sounds cool, but it’s literally the Grim Reaper’s scythe.
657: Anonymous Listener
Naming him always turns out so cliché, lol!
The One Who Wears Darkness from the Abyss.
658: Anonymous Listener
But that’s what makes it good!
The Slayer With Crimson Eyes.
659: Anonymous Listener
Not good at all!
Where did all this darkness and crimson come from, lol?
660: Anonymous Listener
Let’s at least make it fit.
A Grim Reaper for monsters is a solid idea.
661: Anonymous Listener
It could also mean a Grim Reaper for Nijino, lol.
Similar names could be Executioner, Judicator, Enforcer, Decapitator, or Guillotine.
662: Anonymous Listener
They all sound dangerous, but they work, lol.
I vote for Judicator.
663: Anonymous Listener
In that case, I vote for Decapitator!