‘I want to grow my money instead of it sitting idle’: I have $3-4 hundred and a basic understanding of stocks. What’s the absolute best way to start investing?

Hi Money Minder,

So, I’ve got around $300-$400 saved up, and I don’t want it just sitting there doing nothing. I know a bit about the stock market, but I’m clueless on where to actually start. Any ideas on how to make this money grow?

• I’m curious about those services from companies like Fidelity. They take your money, invest it, and charge a fee. Is this a smart move? I mean, even with the fee, you’re still making some money, right?
• There’s also these long-term savings accounts. They seem super safe, but the returns are pretty tiny.

What’s the best way to start investing, considering my limited funds? Or put it another way,

How can I make the most out of my $300-$400 and see some solid returns?

Thanks a ton,
Just Seeking Growth

Response from THE MONEY MINDER:

Hello There,

Hey there!

First off, congratulations on saving up 3-4 hundred dollars. That’s a great start towards building your financial future. With a basic understanding of the stock market, you’re already on the right track. Investing can indeed be much more lucrative than letting your money sit idle, especially with low-interest rates on savings accounts.

Starting off with your question about services from companies like Fidelity—that’s a reasonable route to consider. These firms typically offer various investment products like mutual funds and ETFs and will manage your investments for a fee. While they do take a fee, these services can be advantageous, especially for beginners. They can provide you with a diversified portfolio without the need for you to dive deep into individual stock analysis. Their professional expertise may help you achieve a steadier return, which can be especially important given your current starting capital.

Regarding the long-term savings accounts, like CDs or high-interest savings accounts, indeed, the return rates are quite low, but the benefit here is the safety of your capital. They can be a good option if you are highly risk-averse. However, with the modest amount you’re looking to invest, you might find the returns insufficient for your goals.

For someone in your position looking to maximize returns, consider a few practical steps:

1. Robo-Advisors: Platforms like Betterment, Wealthfront, or even Fidelity’s own robo-advisor service can be great starting points. These services use algorithms to manage and diversify your investments based on your risk tolerance and financial goals, all for a relatively low fee.

2. Low-Cost Index Funds or ETFs: Buying into broader market funds such as the S&P 500 Index Fund through platforms like Vanguard or Fidelity allows you to diversify your investments. These funds have lower fees compared to actively managed funds and historically have provided solid returns over long periods.

3. Micro-Investment Apps: Apps like Acorns or Stash allow you to invest small amounts of money regularly. These can be an excellent way to get your feet wet with minimal financial outlay, and they often offer educational resources to help you learn as you go.

4. Individual Stocks in Blue-Chip Companies: Given your interest in the stock market, you might consider investing in a small number of shares of well-established companies. This strategy does carry more risk but can also offer higher potential returns.

Remember, the key to investing is consistency and patience. Don’t let market fluctuations discourage you. Over time, with regular contributions and strategic investments, even a small amount can grow substantially.

Best of luck with your investment journey!

Warm regards,

THE MONEY MINDER