All topics · Step 4: Invest every month

Index funds.

The simple way most people should invest: own a small slice of thousands of companies, for a very low fee.

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Step 1See where you standStep 2Build your cushionStep 3Clear expensive debtStep 4Invest every month
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Growth calculator

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Real returns go up and down. This is an average, not a promise.
Could grow to

You put in
Growth
Times your money

Monthly compounding, money added at the end of each month. Before fees, taxes and inflation.

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Remember

Three things to know.

Own the whole market

An index fund holds every company in a market, so you don't have to pick winners.

Keep the fee tiny

Look for funds with yearly fees well under 0.3%. Our fees lesson shows why it matters.

Buy every month, hold for years

Set it up once, invest automatically, and leave it alone.

Lessons

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Questions

Good questions.

What is an index fund?
A basket that holds every company in a list, like the 500 biggest US companies or the whole world. When the market grows, you grow with it.
Which one should I buy?
Many beginners choose one low-cost fund that owns the whole world. Our guide Invest Simply explains the options by country.
Is it safe?
It goes up and down, sometimes a lot. Over long periods, broad stock markets have grown, but nothing is guaranteed.
Why not pick stocks myself?
Most professional fund managers fail to beat the index over long periods. Owning the whole market is simpler and usually cheaper.
Up next · Step 4

Compounding and time

Growth on top of growth. Small amounts invested early can become far more than the money you put in.
All topics

Step 1: See where you stand

Getting started20 lessonsBudget and spending20 lessonsMyths and mistakes20 lessonsStart with any amount20 lessons

Step 2: Build your cushion

Emergency fund20 lessonsWork is changing20 lessons

Step 3: Clear expensive debt

Debt and credit cards20 lessons

Step 4: Invest every month

Index funds20 lessonsCompounding and time20 lessonsFees20 lessonsAccounts and the 401(k)20 lessonsCrashes and fear20 lessons