How to start investing with a small amount of money?

If your employer offers a 401(k) with a matching contribution, contribute at least enough to get the full match. A typical match is 50-100% of your contribution up to 3-6% of salary. This is an immediate 50-100% return on your money before any market gains.

A Roth IRA lets you invest after-tax dollars that grow tax-free forever. Open one at Fidelity, Vanguard, or Charles Schwab with no minimum balance. Invest in a single target-date fund that automatically adjusts its mix of stocks and bonds as you approach retirement.

Instead of picking individual stocks, invest in a total stock market index fund like VTI (Vanguard) or FSKAX (Fidelity). One fund gives you ownership of thousands of companies instantly. Add an international fund (VXUS) and a bond fund (BND) for further diversification.

Before investing a dollar, spend a few hours learning the basics. Investopedia is the gold standard for financial education. Khan Academy has a free personal finance course. Bogleheads.org is an excellent community for index fund investing philosophy.

Apps like Acorns ($3/mo), Stash ($3/mo), or Public (free) let you start investing with as little as $1-5. They offer fractional shares, educational content, and simple portfolio options designed for absolute beginners.