How do I start investing?

Begin with the basics: set a goal and timeline, build an emergency fund, choose a simple asset allocation, automate monthly contributions, and avoid frequent trading. A structured path like Investing 101 followed by guides on ETFs and asset allocation can make this process easier.

Are ETFs good for beginners?

Broad, low-cost ETFs can diversify a portfolio in a single trade. Many investors use an all-in-one asset allocation ETF or a small set of core ETFs to keep costs low and rebalancing simple.

How much do fees matter?

Fees compound in reverse. A 1% annual fee difference can cost six figures over decades. Compare MERs within each category and prefer low-cost index ETFs wherever possible.

Learn How to Invest Smarter

Independent investing education, ETF guides, strategies, and calculators built for everyday investors. No hype—just clear, practical guidance.

Start with a complete Investing 101 foundation, learn how ETFs and asset allocation work, then use our calculators to pressure-test your plan before you invest real money.

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Start Here

Read the three core guides, then plug your numbers into the calculators to turn theory into a concrete plan.

Start with the Basics

Three in-depth guides that give you a complete foundation before you dive into niche topics or advanced strategies.

Investing 101

Big-picture beginner’s guide to compounding, risk vs return, portfolio design, and how to invest your first $1k–$100k step by step.

ETFs Explained

Plain-English breakdown of ETF investing: what ETFs are, how they trade, ETF vs mutual funds, fees, risks, and how to choose them.

Asset Allocation Basics

How to choose the right stock/bond mix for your goals, sample model portfolios, and simple rules for rebalancing over time.

Investing Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Most investors don’t need complex products or constant market watching. What moves the needle over decades is simple: a sensible asset allocation, low costs, regular contributions, and the discipline to stay the course. Our guides are designed to help you focus on the few things that matter—and ignore the noise.

We cover the journey from first principles to practical implementation. Learn the building blocks in Basics, understand diversification with ETFs, and choose an approach in Strategies that fits your goals and temperament.

Guided Learning Paths

Basics

Foundations: risk vs return, diversification, compounding, and asset allocation—explained clearly with examples.

ETF Essentials

What ETFs are, how they trade, fees and liquidity, and when to use all-in-one asset allocation funds.

Strategies

Buy-and-hold, rebalancing, dividend investing, value vs growth, and momentum—pros, cons, and simple rules.

Hands-On Tools

Use calculators to test assumptions before you change your real portfolio. Explore how savings rate, time, and expected returns interact so you can set realistic goals.

Compound Interest Calculator

See how steady contributions, time, and rate of return can grow a portfolio.

CAGR Calculator

Turn beginning and ending values into an annualized rate of return (CAGR).

Dividend DRIP Calculator

Model dividend reinvestment alongside contributions and price growth over time.

Built for Independent Investors

InvestorsEdge is a learning resource, not a brokerage or advisory. We publish readable, research-driven guides and maintain practical tools you can use before making any decision. We’re transparent about methodology and disclose how we evaluate products, fees, and trade-offs.

Read our Methodology and Editorial Policy. For questions or corrections, contact us.

Common Questions

How much should I invest each month?: There’s no perfect number. Automate what fits your budget after essentials and an emergency fund—then raise contributions when income grows. Over time, many investors target 15–20% of income toward long-term investing.
Do I need to pick stocks?: No. Broad index funds through low-cost ETFs are a simple way to own hundreds or thousands of companies at once. Many long-term investors never pick individual stocks at all.
When should I rebalance?: Many investors rebalance annually or when their target mix drifts by 5–10 percentage points. The key is to have a simple rule written down in advance and follow it consistently.