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GUIDE · MONEY 101
Index funds, explained simply.
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§ 1 · MONEY 101
You do not need thousands. Many brokerages have no minimum and sell fractional shares, so $100 works.
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§ 2 · MONEY 101
One fund holds a whole list of stocks, like the S&P 500, so you never bet on a single company.
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§ 3 · MONEY 101
In S&P's SPIVA reports, most active large-cap funds trail the S&P 500 over 15 years.
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§ 4 · MONEY 101
On $10,000 over 30 years, a 0.03% fund vs a 1% fund can differ by about $18,000.
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§ 5 · MONEY 101
Grab any employer 401(k) match first. It is an instant return nothing else beats.
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§ 6 · MONEY 101
A Roth IRA grows tax-free for retirement. The 2026 limit is $7,500 for most savers.
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§ 7 · MONEY 101
Open an account, link your bank, move $100, pick a broad index fund, then automate.
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§ 8 · MONEY 101
At an assumed 7% a year, $100 a month could grow to roughly $122,000 in 30 years.
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§ 9 · MONEY 101
Markets fall. Selling locks in the loss. Invest only money you will not need for five years.
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Fees, accounts and real examples in our full beginner guide. Not financial advice.
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