When most people think of investing, their minds jump to hefty bank accounts and Wall Street suits yelling, "Buy, buy, buy!" But the truth is, you don’t need to be rich or a finance pro to start building wealth. You can kickstart your investing journey with just $100—yes, really. And with the rise of automated investing, it’s easier than ever.

Let’s break it down, step by step, so you can get started today.

Why Start with $100?

It might feel like a small amount, but starting small has big benefits. For one, it gets you in the habit of investing consistently—arguably the most critical factor in long-term wealth building. Plus, thanks to compound interest (earning interest on your interest), even $100 can grow into a significant sum over time.

Here’s an example: If you invest $100 in an account earning 7% annual returns and contribute just $50 monthly, you’d have over $50,000 in 20 years. Starting small can snowball into something big. 🚀

Step 1: Build Your Investment Mindset

Before diving into the “how,” let’s address the “why.” Investing is about growing your money over time—not striking it rich overnight. Stay patient, consistent, and informed. Even if $100 doesn’t feel like much now, think of it as planting a seed for your future financial forest.

Key Rules to Remember:

1. Start Now: Time in the market beats timing the market.

2. Invest Consistently: Treat investing like a subscription—set it and forget it.

3. Diversify: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket (we’ll talk more about this later).

Step 2: Choose the Right Platform

With $100, you want to minimize fees (they can eat into your returns) and maximize accessibility. Luckily, many modern investing platforms cater to beginner investors with low starting minimums.

Great Options for Beginners:

• Brokerage Accounts: Platforms like Fidelity and Charles Schwab let you start with as little as $5.

• Robo-Advisors: These are automated platforms like Betterment or Wealthfront that build and manage a portfolio for you.

• Apps: Apps like Robinhood, Stash, and Acorns are beginner-friendly and often gamify the investing process.

• Surmount: With just $100, you can invest in one of Surmount's expert-created automated strategies, designed to optimize returns and simplify the investing experience.

Step 3: Start Small, Diversify Big

Once you’ve chosen your platform, it’s time to decide where to invest your $100. The golden rule? Diversify. This means spreading your money across different assets to reduce risk.

Best Investment Options for $100:

• ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds): These are like a basket of stocks or bonds you can buy for one price. Think of it as instant diversification.

• Index Funds: These track the performance of a specific market index, like the S&P 500.

• Fractional Shares: Platforms like Robinhood allow you to buy “pieces” of expensive stocks like Tesla or Amazon.

• Expert Strategies on Surmount: These pre-designed strategies are created by experienced investors and tailored to different goals, from growth to income generation. With just $100, you can let these strategies work for you automatically.

Step 4: Automate Your Investments

Here’s where things get interesting. Automated investing takes the guesswork and stress out of the equation. Instead of manually deciding what to buy and when, automation uses algorithms and tested strategies to manage your portfolio.

How Does Automated Investing Work?

• You set your goals (e.g., retirement, buying a house, building wealth).

• The platform selects and adjusts your investments based on those goals.

• You invest consistently without needing to log in daily.

Surmount makes it easy to start investing with automation. With just $100, you can tap into expert-created strategies that adjust based on market conditions and your unique goals. No constant monitoring or financial expertise required—just set it and let it grow.

Step 5: Stay Consistent and Play the Long Game

Investing isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. Even if you can only invest $100 here and there, the key is consistency. Over time, you’ll learn to manage your emotions, ignore market noise, and stay focused on your goals.

Pro Tips for Staying the Course:

1. Set Up Auto-Deposits: Make investing as automatic as paying your bills.

2. Reinvest Your Dividends: Let your returns work for you.

3. Avoid Emotional Decisions: Markets go up and down—don’t panic.

The Case for Starting Today

Here’s the thing: the longer you wait to start investing, the harder it becomes to catch up. Even with just $100, you’re building the foundation of a brighter financial future.

Automated investing makes this journey even smoother by removing barriers like time, effort, and know-how. Whether you’re new to investing or looking for a hands-off approach, platforms like Surmount can help you build wealth without the stress.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to be rich, a finance guru, or a market wizard to start investing. All you need is $100, the right mindset, and a platform that works for you. And if you want to truly elevate your investing game, Surmount’s automated strategies might just be the key to unlocking long-term success.

Start small. Stay consistent. And watch your money grow over time.

Disclaimer: The information presented is for educational purposes only and not an offer or solicitation for any specific investments. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Consult with a financial adviser before making any investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.