Beginner's Guide to Investing: Start Building Wealth
By Itai Varochik | Updated February 18, 2026 | 3 min read
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Getting started with investing
Investing doesn't require thousands of dollars or a finance degree. With fractional shares and robo-advisors, you can start with as little as $1. The most important step is starting early — time in the market beats timing the market.
Choosing your account type
Taxable brokerage for flexibility. Roth IRA for tax-free growth (if eligible). Traditional IRA for tax deductions now. 401(k) through your employer (always get the match). HSA for triple tax benefits if eligible.
Investment strategies for beginners
Index fund investing: buy the whole market with one fund. Dollar-cost averaging: invest fixed amounts regularly. Target-date funds: set-and-forget based on retirement year. Robo-advisors: automated portfolio management.
Common mistakes to avoid
Don't: try to time the market, invest money you'll need soon, check your portfolio daily, follow hot stock tips, ignore fees and taxes. Do: diversify, invest consistently, think long-term, keep emergency fund separate.
Choosing a platform
For hands-off: Betterment or Wealthfront (robo-advisors). For DIY beginners: Robinhood or Fidelity. For active traders: Interactive Brokers or TD Ameritrade. For crypto curious: Coinbase alongside a traditional broker.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to start investing?
Many platforms allow you to start with $1 through fractional shares. The key is consistency, not amount.
Should I pay off debt before investing?
Pay off high-interest debt (credit cards) first. Low-interest debt (mortgage, student loans) can coexist with investing, especially if you have an employer 401(k) match.