How to Start Investing in the US with Little Money (Even $100)
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Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why You Don’t Need a Lot of Money to Start Investing
- Best Ways to Start Investing with Little Money
- Top Apps for Beginners
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts + CTA
Introduction
Think you need thousands of dollars to start investing in the US? Think again. Even with $10, $50, or $100, you can begin your investing journey today.
Thanks to fintech innovations and commission-free investing platforms, the door to wealth-building is open wider than ever.
Why You Don’t Need a Lot of Money to Start Investing
Gone are the days when investing meant talking to a stockbroker or needing large capital. Today, you can:
- Buy fractional shares
- Use robo-advisors to automate investing
- Open an IRA account with no minimum deposit
Best Ways to Start Investing with Little Money
1. Use Robo-Advisors (Like Betterment or Wealthfront)
Robo-advisors automatically invest your money in diversified portfolios based on your goals and risk tolerance.
- No experience needed
- Start with as little as $10
2. Invest in ETFs and Index Funds
ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) and Index Funds let you invest in a bundle of stocks.
- Low cost and great for beginners
- S&P 500 index funds track top US companies
Example: $50 in an S&P 500 ETF means you’re investing in Apple, Microsoft, Google, etc., at once.
3. Buy Fractional Shares
Apps like Robinhood, Fidelity, or Public allow you to invest in big companies like Amazon or Tesla with just $5.
- Great for small budgets
- Allows diversification early on
4. Open a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA
- Start saving for retirement early
- Many brokers (like Vanguard, Fidelity) allow opening with $0 minimum
- Tax advantages help your money grow faster
5. Invest in REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts)
Don’t have $100,000 for real estate? Invest in REITs for as low as $10 via apps like Fundrise or REIT ETFs.
- Earn from rental income + property value growth
- No landlord responsibilities!
Top Investing Apps for Beginners (Low Minimums)
| App | Minimum Investment | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Robinhood | $1 | Stocks & ETFs |
| Acorns | $5 | Automatic investing + savings |
| Betterment | $10 | Robo-advising & goal tracking |
| Fidelity | $0 | IRA + fractional investing |
| Public | $1 | Fractional shares & learning |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Investing without a goal
- Putting all money into one stock
- Ignoring fees or taxes
- Panic selling during market dips
- Not doing basic research
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I invest with just $10 in the US?
Yes! Apps like Acorns and Public allow you to begin with even $5–$10.
Q2: What is the safest investment for beginners?
Index funds and ETFs are considered low-risk and great for long-term growth.
Q3: Should I invest or save first?
Build an emergency fund first (3–6 months of expenses), then start investing.
Q4: Are robo-advisors safe?
Yes. Most are regulated by the SEC and use bank-level security.
Final Thoughts
It’s better to start small than not to start at all. Whether you have $10, $50, or $100, you can build wealth today. The key is to start, stay consistent, and be patient.
Ready to Take Control of Your Finances?
Start with a small amount today and see how investing can change your financial future.
Comment below if you need help choosing your first investment platform!