Many people wrongly believe that investing is something only the wealthy can do. In reality, all you need to get started is $100, a smartphone, and a little bit of curiosity. Thanks to modern platforms like Robinhood and Fidelity, investing is more accessible than ever.
Fractional investing allows you to buy a portion of expensive stocks, making shares of companies like Amazon or Apple more accessible. Commission-free platforms mean you don’t lose a chunk of your small investment to fees. Compounding works better the earlier you start — even with tiny amounts.
Are you investing for long-term growth, building wealth gradually, or just learning? Clarifying your goal helps you pick the right type of investment and manage expectations. Think long-term.
Beginner-friendly platforms include:
- Robinhood: clean UI, no minimums, fractional shares, crypto support.
- Fidelity: trusted, offers research tools, strong for long-term investors.
Both are great starting points depending on your preference.
It takes less than 10 minutes. You'll need:
- Legal name, DOB, SSN
- Address
- Bank account info
Link your bank and deposit your $100.
Understand what you're investing in:
- Stocks = company ownership
- ETFs = baskets of assets for diversification
- Dividends = regular payouts from companies
Use the app’s learning center or beginner videos.
Options for your first $100:
1. Fractional share of blue-chip stocks (Apple, Microsoft)
2. ETFs like VTI or SPY for diversification
3. Dividend stocks (Coca-Cola, J&J)
Diversify even with small amounts.
Auto-invest helps you:
- Schedule small contributions
- Reinvest dividends
- Build discipline effortlessly
Avoid checking daily. Instead:
- Review weekly/monthly
- Focus on progress
- Tune out market noise
As you gain confidence, grow your investments:
- Go from $100 → $500 → $1,000
- Learn about bonds, REITs, mutual funds
- Follow finance creators for ongoing learning
You won’t get rich overnight. Focus on habits, discipline, and consistency. An 8% return can double your money in about 9 years — and that’s powerful.
$100 is more than enough to begin. It’s about building habits, gaining confidence, and taking action. Start small, stay consistent, and your financial future will thank you.