How to Start Investing with $100

The Myth of the Minimum

Most people think investing requires thousands of dollars and a financial advisor. It doesn't. You can open a brokerage account with $0 and invest your first $100 in minutes.

What to Buy

Start with a total market index fund or S&P 500 index fund. Options:

• Fidelity ZERO Total Market Index (FZROX) — 0% expense ratio, $0 minimum
• Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) — 0.03% expense ratio
• Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF (SCHB) — 0.03% expense ratio

Where to Buy It

Open an account at Fidelity, Vanguard, or Schwab. All three offer commission-free trading and no account minimums. If you have a 401(k) match at work, start there first — it's a guaranteed return.

The Real Goal

$100 won't make you rich. But the habit will. Set up automatic monthly contributions and increase the amount by $25 every six months. In 10 years, that habit is worth far more than any single investment decision.