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*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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Nicole and the Apothecary Family Live Freely

Since Sieghart ‘s house is right next door, we inevitably end up going together.

The only strange one is Sieghart ; Aunt Dahlia is just a normal person.

My mother, who is carrying Alto on her back, is happily chatting with her at the rear.

Meanwhile, Sieghart , leading the way, is breathing heavily, and I’m walking at a slight distance behind him.

I don’t want to be seen as the same as this Sieghart , and also, I’m trying to avoid unnecessary trouble.

As the roof of the worn-out temple came into view, trouble appeared from the other road.

“Sieghart -kun!”

Calling out with a bright smile while waving enthusiastically was Lilina, the village chief’s granddaughter.

She has flashy, curly pink hair and calls herself the most beautiful girl in the village. She is the top girl aiming for Sieghart .

Behind her, I could see the village chief and Lilina’s parents.

Lilina’s parents are normal, but the village chief has a plump belly and a pompous attitude. And he’s balding.

I don’t like him.

Even my parents seem to feel uncomfortable around him.

Lilina rushed up to Sieghart  and clung to his arm, looking up at him with a sickeningly sweet voice.

So shameless!

“Good morning, Sieghart -kun! I’m so excited to see what skills we’ll get today! I was so nervous I couldn’t sleep last night!”

“Oh, morning, Lilina! I’m excited too!”

Sieghart  was just casually talking, but when Lilina noticed me behind him, she glared at me.

Seriously, is she really the same age as me? That glare is way too intense!

I mean, come on, I was just walking behind him by chance.

Look, I’m like ten meters away, okay??

Forget about my dad—shouldn’t she be more aware of Sieghart ’s father watching?

He can see everything!!

I quietly averted my gaze and deliberately called out, “Dad, hurry up!”

Honestly, Lilina is such a pain.

If possible, I’d like to avoid dealing with her for the rest of my life!

After that, we all put on polite smiles and joined the village chief’s family to head to the temple, where the other two kids receiving blessings today and their families had already arrived.

This year, the five seven-year-olds in the village were me, Sieghart , Lilina, a farmer’s daughter named Milia, and a blacksmith’s son named Cain.

Cain’s father and Milia’s parents were greeting the village chief’s family.

Since the village chief’s family holds significant power here, the adults are busy trying to stay on their good side.

Naturally, the five of us have been childhood friends, and when we were younger, we played together a lot.

After turning five, we still talked occasionally, but we stopped playing together. We were all too busy helping out at home or taking care of our younger siblings.

Lilina, being from a rich family, didn’t have to work, though.

By the way, Uncle Arthur is both a hunter and a member of the village’s patrol force. He was recruited for his skills as a former adventurer.

When Uncle Arthur brings back game or monsters, Sieghart  learns how to drain the blood and butcher them from Aunt Dahlia.

He’s not constantly doing weird things—this is a necessary skill for surviving as a hunter.

Sieghart  himself takes it seriously, saying it’s something he absolutely needs for the future.

At first, I saw him crying and throwing up.

I learned butchering alongside him.

Since my dad also hunts horned rabbits while gathering medicinal herbs.

Aunt Dahlia praised me, saying, “Nicole, you’ve got guts!” because I didn’t cry or throw up.

Sieghart  gave me a bitter look.

“When it’s for food, I can do my best!”

When I said that, Aunt Dahlia was really impressed.

Oops, got sidetracked.

Cain, the blacksmith’s son, is more into swinging swords than working at the forge. He’s big and rough, so we rarely played together.

It’s pretty normal for boys to stick with boys and girls to stick with girls, right?

Though Lilina was always too busy flirting with the boys.

Milia is the daughter of the village’s biggest farming family. She has an older brother, an older sister, and three younger siblings, so she was put to work in the fields even before she turned five.

Her parents doted on her eldest brother, treating the younger kids more like servants.

Milia and her older sister were so thin and pale that they looked pitiful. I sometimes snuck food to Milia—extra bread or berries.

My mom knew about it, too, and whenever I went to see Milia, she’d say, “I made too much,” and give me some extra food to bring.

Since Milia and I ate it right away, her parents never found out.

Now, looking at Milia’s parents, they were big, strong, and healthy, while Milia, the smallest of us five, looked tired as she bowed her head.

Even though we noticed, we couldn’t interfere in another family’s affairs. My parents kept quiet, too.

Compared to the well-pampered Lilina, the difference was striking.

The five of us gathered at the small village temple to receive blessings from the gods. As expected, the first to go was the village chief’s granddaughter, Lilina.

She immediately received the title of [Saint] and a healing skill!

Even the priest was shocked.

It seemed he never expected a titled individual to appear from such a rural village.

The village chief’s family was ecstatic, and the other parents clapped and cheered, though it seemed forced.

Lilina made sure to flaunt it to me and Milia while acting all shy and cute for Sieghart  and Cain.

At seven years old, she already knows how to play the game.

Seriously, she’s terrifying…

Next, it was my turn. I received the apothecary skill as I had hoped, along with a rare appraisal skill!

My parents were thrilled!

“With that skill, you’ll never go hungry!”

“Learn well from your father and build a solid trade.”

“Yeah!”

I think I got a great skill!

Uncle Arthur and Aunt Dahlia were just as happy for me.

Even Sieghart  smiled and said, “That’s great!”

Lilina sneered at us, but the priest praised my skills as “practical and valuable.”

Lilina glared at me, clearly annoyed.

What a pain!

Cain received a swordsmanship skill and was overjoyed, jumping around in excitement.

His father, however, frowned since it wasn’t a blacksmithing skill.

Milia received wind and water magic skills, looking timidly at the priest.

“Having two elemental magic affinities is a wonderful talent!”

Hearing that, Milia finally smiled a little, and her parents were overjoyed.

Finally, Sieghart  went up and—just as he had predicted—received the [Hero] title, along with all four elemental magic skills and swordsmanship.

Instead of jumping in excitement like Cain, he clenched his fist and murmured, “I knew it.”

So it wasn’t just a delusion—he really had some clue beforehand?

How mysterious.