A curated selection of low-cost mutual funds that allow investors to start building wealth with minimal capital. This list highlights options typically requiring under $100 for initial investment, making them accessible for beginners, students, and those testing the waters of long-term diversified investing.
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While the Admiral share class often requires a higher initial investment, Vanguard frequently offers introductory promotions or allows you to start with VTSAX if you meet specific criteria. It provides comprehensive exposure to the entire U.S. stock market with exceptionally low expense ratios.
A zero-expense-ratio fund that tracks the entire U.S. stock market. It is highly popular among new investors because it requires no minimum investment, allowing you to buy shares with as little as $1, making it perfect for starting small.
Tracks the S&P 500 index with zero expense ratio and no minimum investment requirement. It is an ideal foundational holding for new investors seeking broad U.S. large-cap exposure without high fees or upfront capital barriers.
A classic choice for beginners investing in the S&P 500. The Investor Share class typically requires a $3,000 minimum, but new investors can start by purchasing fractional shares or using brokerage platforms that allow partial share ownership with under $100.
Often overlooked for its zero expense ratio, this fund tracks the S&P 500 with no minimum investment required. It is a cost-effective way to gain exposure to the 500 largest U.S. companies without worrying about minimum deposit thresholds.
Although technically an ETF, it behaves like a mutual fund for index tracking purposes and has zero expense ratio. Many brokers allow you to buy partial shares, enabling entry with under $100 for broad large-cap U.S. stock exposure.
Provides diversification beyond the U.S. market by tracking international developed and emerging markets. While the minimum can be higher, fractional share options at many brokerages allow new investors to start with small amounts for global exposure.
A zero-expense-ratio fund for international diversification with no minimum investment. It is an excellent complement to U.S. equity holdings, allowing new investors to easily allocate small portions of their portfolio to global markets.
An actively managed fund focusing on large-cap growth companies. While the traditional minimum is higher, many online brokers allow fractional purchases, enabling new investors to invest under $100 into a managed portfolio of tech and growth leaders.
A low-cost ETF that offers broad market exposure similar to total stock market index funds. With fractional share availability, new investors can start with minimal capital while benefiting from iShares' reputable index tracking and low fees.
Tracks the S&P 500 with zero expense ratio, typically available through employer-sponsored plans or specific brokerages. Some platforms allow non-institutional investors to buy in with small amounts, offering elite-level indexing without high fees.
Provides exposure to the U.S. investment-grade bond market with zero expense ratio and no minimum. It is a great conservative option for new investors looking to balance stock holdings with fixed-income stability, starting with under $100.
A zero-expense-ratio fund for diversified bond investing with no minimum requirement. It offers easy access to fixed-income markets, helping new investors manage risk while earning interest, all without significant upfront capital.
Designed to protect against inflation by tracking short-term TIPS. While an ETF, it allows fractional shares, making it accessible for new investors with under $100 to hedge their portfolio against rising prices.
Tracks the broad U.S. investment-grade bond market with low fees. Fractional share availability allows new investors to add bond exposure to their portfolio with minimal capital, providing stability alongside growth-oriented equity holdings.
A professionally managed portfolio of mutual funds focused on growth, available with low minimums at Schwab. It offers automated diversification across asset classes, suitable for new investors who prefer a hands-off approach with small initial deposits.
A managed fund that combines multiple growth-oriented mutual funds into one package. It allows investors to gain diversified growth exposure with lower minimums than buying individual funds, ideal for beginners seeking active management.
Provides diversified growth exposure through a combination of Vanguard funds. While traditional minimums vary, fractional share options enable new investors to start with under $100, gaining access to professional asset allocation strategies.
Tracks small-cap U.S. stocks with zero expense ratio. Fractional share purchasing allows new investors to start with minimal capital, adding higher-risk, higher-potential-reward exposure to their portfolio alongside large-cap holdings.
A zero-expense-ratio fund for small-cap stock exposure with no minimum investment. It allows new investors to diversify into smaller companies easily, balancing their portfolio with potentially higher growth opportunities.
An actively managed fund focusing on high-yield dividend stocks. Fractional share availability allows new investors with under $100 to participate in a strategy designed for income and capital appreciation from established companies.