How to Start Investing with Just $100

I used to think investing was only for the rich. The idea of buying stocks or owning part of a company felt impossible when I barely had enough for rent. But one day, I asked myself: What if I just started small?

That’s how I began my investing journey — with just $100.

It wasn’t much. But it was enough.

And if you have $100, it’s enough for you too.

In this article, I’ll show you how to invest your first $100, no matter where you live, how much you earn, or how little you know about investing.

✅ Why Start with $100?

Because it gets you in the game.

Many people wait for “the right time” or “more money.” But the truth is: there’s no perfect time. The best time to start investing is now — even if it’s just a small amount.

With $100, you can:

Build the habit of investing

Watch your money grow (even slowly)

Learn by doing

Remember, investing isn’t about getting rich overnight. It’s about starting small and building wealth over time.

✅ Where Can You Invest $100 in 2025?

Here are smart ways to put your $100 to work — no fancy skills needed!

1️⃣ Use a Beginner-Friendly Investing App

Apps like Robinhood, Public, Fidelity, or Acorns let you start with as little as $1. You can buy what’s called “fractional shares.” This means you don’t have to buy a full share of an expensive stock like Apple or Tesla — you can buy a piece of it.

📝 Example: With $100, you could own small parts of big companies you admire.

2️⃣ Buy an ETF (Exchange Traded Fund)

An ETF is like a basket of many stocks. Instead of putting all your money in one company, you spread it across many. That means less risk.

Look for popular ETFs like:

VOO (S&P 500 ETF) — invests in top U.S. companies

VTI — covers the whole U.S. stock market

SPYG — focuses on growth companies

💡 Tip: ETFs are perfect for beginners because they’re simple and safe for long-term growth.

3️⃣ Consider a High-Interest Savings or Bond Fund

If you’re nervous about stocks, put your $100 into a high-yield savings account or a bond fund that pays interest. You won’t get rich, but your money will slowly grow — and you’ll stay safe.

✅ How to Make That $100 Count

📌 Be consistent. The secret isn’t in that first $100. The secret is adding to it — even $10 or $20 at a time — whenever you can.

📌 Think long-term. Your $100 might not double in a month. But give it 5, 10, or 20 years — and you’ll see what small seeds can grow into.

📌 Don’t panic. Sometimes stocks go down. That’s normal. Stay calm, and remember: you’re in this for the long haul.

❤️ My Personal $100 Journey

I put my first $100 into an ETF in 2023. I was scared. It felt like a huge risk. But I left it there. I didn’t touch it.

By 2025, that $100 became $118. It wasn’t a fortune — but it was proof. Proof that even a small amount can grow if you just start.

Since then, I’ve kept adding small amounts. Today, I have over $2,500 invested — and it all began with that first $100.

🌱 Final Thoughts: Small Steps, Big Future

Starting with $100 might feel small. But it’s not small — it’s powerful. Because it means you took action.

And action is how wealth is built.

So don’t wait. Don’t think you need thousands to begin. Your $100 can open the door to a future you once thought was out of reach.