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| Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash |
Ready to become a millionaire? First things first, it ain’t happening overnight. Building wealth takes time and a whole lotta patience. But don’t worry, it’s not all about sitting on your hands and waiting for the dough to roll in. You’ve gotta take some actual, productive steps with your moolah if you want it to grow to its full potential.
I mean, c’mon. You’re not going to get rich by sticking your extra cash under your mattress and praying to the money gods (trust me, I’ve tried). No, no. You’ve got to invest that cash if you want it to start working for you. But what do you do if you only have $100 to start with? That’s not a ton of capital, but hey, it’s better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. So how do you turn that measly hundred bucks into a mountain of wealth? Well, that’s the million-dollar question (or, in this case, the hundred dollar question).
Okay, let’s get real for a second. Most “normal folks” who’ve amassed a decent amount of wealth started with just a small sum of money. They kept on investing, and before they knew it, their money was snowballing into a full-blown avalanche of riches. And you know what else? Just the act of learning how to invest can completely change your perspective on money and set you on a path to earning even more cash through other means.
So don’t get discouraged if you only have $100 in your bank account right now. It might not seem like much, but it could be all you need to transform your financial future for the better. If you’re wondering how to invest $100, how to turn that hundred bucks into even more money, and how to make cash on the daily, you’re in the right place. Let’s get to work!
Is it Possible to Transform $100 into Wealth?
Feeling like you’re constantly playing catch-up when it comes to investing? Yeah, me too. And it’s especially tough when you’re starting out with just a tiny amount of cash. I mean, we’ve all heard stories of people making millions by investing in the perfect stocks or crypto or whatever at exactly the right moment, or coming up with a brilliant business idea that nobody had ever thought of before. It’s enough to make you feel like you’ll never be able to compete. But hey, no pressure. Just try not to stress too much and have fun with it!
Okay, let’s be real for a second. If you want to turn that measly $100 into a fortune, you’ve gotta change your mindset. I mean, there are so many opportunities out there where you could have turned $100 into thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, if you’d just invested at the right time. The key is to keep your eyes open and always be on the lookout for those golden opportunities.
But hey, don’t get discouraged if you don’t strike it rich right away. Building wealth takes time and patience, and sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince (or princess). Just keep on investing, keep on learning, and who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be the one cashing in on that life-changing opportunity.
Here’s a fun little thought experiment for you: imagine you had invested $100 about 10 years ago. How much would that be worth today? Let’s find out!
Investing $100 into Bitcoin a decade ago might have seemed like a wild idea, but boy, would it have paid off. Back in 2012, you could have picked up a single Bitcoin for just $5.29. Can you imagine how many Bitcoins you could have bought for $100 back then? And just think about how much those Bitcoins could be worth today if you’d been smart (or lucky) enough to get in on the action early.
Yes, it’s true. There really was a 12-year-old who made a bunch of NFTs and ended up with a crypto wallet worth a cool million bucks. And yep, that teenager who invested $1,000 in Bitcoin way back in 2011 really did end up making millions. Crazy, right?
But here’s the thing: these stories are absolutely real, and they happened to actual human beings who had the guts and the foresight to create something awesome or invest in the right thing at exactly the right time. It takes a lot of courage and a bit of luck to strike it rich like that, but it’s definitely possible. Just don’t go quitting your day job and betting your life savings on some sketchy investment opportunity, okay? Always be smart and do your research before you dive into anything.
Becoming a Millionaire with $100
Okay, so let’s say you don’t want to take any wild, risky bets with your hard-earned cash. Is it still possible to become a millionaire? Absolutely! By investing relatively small sums of money over time, you can still reach that seven-figure mark. The key is to find assets that provide a fairly steady return you can count on and to make sure you’re consistently and automatically investing your money.
For example, you could invest $100 per month into a mix of index funds, ETFs, and individual stocks and eventually turn that money into over $1 million. It might take a while, maybe even a few decades, but it’s definitely possible.
What can the $100 do?
So, the big question is: what are you going to do with that crisp Benjamin Franklin in your wallet? Or, let’s be real, that three digits in your bank account. Do you:
- Blow it all on the fanciest dinner in town and those designer shoes you’ve been eyeing?
- Tuck it away for a rainy day, or use it to chip away at that mountain of debt?
- Or, are you the type to think long-term and invest in your future financial security?
Sure, it might mean saying goodbye to that daily latte or skipping out on that concert you’ve been dying to see. But just think, in a few years, your future self will be thanking you for being a responsible adult and investing that $100 every month. And who knows, maybe you’ll even get used to not having that extra cash and won’t miss it at all! It’s all about building good financial habits and setting yourself up for success in the long run. Plus, with all that extra dough, you can finally afford to buy those concert tickets in bulk and treat yourself to all the lattes your heart desires. Win-win!
Going for the Quick Bucks vs. Playing the Long Game
So, do you want to be a short-term investor, looking for fast flips and quick cash? Or do you want to play the long game, steadily building wealth over time? It’s a tough choice, but hey, at least you have a shiny new $100 to play with! Just remember, the world of investing is a wild ride, and you never know when you’ll strike it big or take a hit. But with a little bit of strategy and a whole lot of luck, you could turn that Benjamin into a whole stack of Franklins
Here are a few wacky ways to flip that cash:
- Scour garage sales and thrift stores for hidden treasures to sell for a profit on eBay or Depop.
- Invest in those fancy sneakers that everyone’s dying to get their hands on and flip them for a higher price. Sneakerhead status, here you come!
- Dust off those old sports cards and see if you can flip them for a profit on eBay or at your local card shop. Who knows, you might find a rare gem in the bunch!
- Offer a wacky service on social media, like washing cars while dressed in a chicken costume or painting murals while on a unicycle. The sky’s the limit (and the crazier, the better)!
So, you’ve got $100 and you’re trying to decide whether to flip it or hold onto it for the long run. Here’s the deal: flipping things for a quick profit takes time, effort, and elbow grease. You’re trading hours for dollars, basically. On the other hand, investing for the long haul is all about building wealth with minimal effort. It’s like having a little money-making machine on autopilot. Sure, you’ll have to put in some initial effort to set it up, but after that, you can sit back, relax, and watch the passive income roll in. Just remember, time is money, and it’s up to you to decide how you want to spend (or invest) yours.
Long-Term Investment Ideas:
- Diversify your portfolio with index funds, ETFs, and other investments that are designed for long-term growth.
- Get in on the action with fractional shares, which allow you to invest small sums of money (even as little as $1) into popular stocks.
- Dip your toes into the world of cryptocurrency or non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and hold onto them for the long haul (aka “HODL”).
- Invest in real estate with the goal of creating long-term profits through rental income or property appreciation.
Tips for Investing Your First $100
Here’s a little-known fact about investing: the initial amount you put in isn’t as important as actually taking the first step. It doesn’t matter if you have $100 or $1,000 to start with; what’s crucial is making a decision and following through with it. So, are you ready to start your investment journey with a small sum of $100? These 6 strategies will set you on the right path to success.
1. Index funds
An “index fund” is like a magical mutual fund or ETF that allows you to ride the coattails of the stock market without any of the pesky hassle of choosing individual stocks. It’s like having a personal genie that grants your investment wishes by perfectly mimicking a market index, like the illustrious S&P 500. No need to lift a finger or break a sweat — just sit back and watch your money grow (hopefully). These types of funds are particularly appealing to long-term investors who want to be passive and carefree, like a beach bum but with more financial savvy. Plus, index funds have a pretty impressive track record of returns, making them a solid choice for anyone looking to chill out and let the market do the work.
How to?
Investing in index funds is a total breeze. First, you’ll need to pick out one of those fancy online brokerage joints and set up an account. Then, it’s time to decide which index you want to follow. Maybe it’s the S&P 500, or the Dow Jones, or even the NASDAQ. Once you’ve made your decision, just plop your money into the corresponding fund and boom — you’re a fully-fledged index fund investor. It’s almost too easy. Just make sure you choose the right brokerage and fund for your needs, because nobody wants to end up with a dud.
Betterment
If you’re looking to get your index fund game on, Betterment is the way to go. Not only will this handy robo-advisor help you reach your long-term investing goals with ease, but it’s super simple to set up an account. Just a few clicks and you’ll be well on your way to index fund success. Plus, Betterment has all sorts of extra goodies to sweeten the deal, like portfolio rebalancing, dividend reinvestment, and tax-loss harvesting. It’s like a one-stop-shop for all your index fund needs. So why wait? Start investing with Betterment today and watch your money grow like a beanstalk.
2. Savings Account
If you’re running on empty but don’t want to risk losing that hard-earned $100, fear not — a high-yield savings account is here to save the day! These online banking marvels work just like traditional savings accounts, except they offer juicy interest rates that’ll make your money grow faster than a beanstalk. Setting up an account is a cinch, and before you know it you’ll be raking in the dough. So don’t let that $100 sit idle — give it a chance to shine with a high-yield savings account. Your wallet (and future self) will thank you.
How to?
Ready to turn your measly savings into a financial powerhouse? Look no further than the best online accounts from banks like Discover and CITI! And if those don’t quite tickle your fancy, there’s always the mysterious “national average” to consider (which, let’s be real, sounds like it should be the name of a discount shoe store). But don’t just settle for any old account — do your research and find the one that truly speaks to you. Maybe you want an account that throws you a virtual parade every time you save a penny. Or perhaps you’re more of a “no hidden fees” kind of person. Either way, there’s an account out there for you! Just make sure to shake off the cobwebs before depositing your hard-earned cash.
Discover
Discover has a special savings account just for you! It’s called a high-yield account, which means you can earn more money on your savings. The best part is, you don’t have to have a lot of money to start and there are no fees to pay. In fact, you can earn 5 times more than the average person just by saving with Discover. It’s not a huge amount, but every little bit helps. So why not give it a try? Open a Discover high-yield savings account today and start earning more on your money.
3. Savings Roundup
Tired of seeing all those spare coins and dollars cluttering up your wallet and weighing you down? Say goodbye to heavy pockets and hello to financial freedom with Acorns! This handy little app takes all that pesky change and invests it for you, without you even lifting a finger. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even choose from a variety of professionally curated portfolios to help grow your wealth. No more stressing about which stocks to pick or whether you should go for high risk or low risk. Acorns has you covered. So why wait? Sign up for a plan today and watch your savings grow faster than mold on a forgotten sandwich. Bonus: you’ll finally have a use for that coin collection you’ve been hoarding since childhood.
How to?
Ready to upgrade your financial game and join the Acorns elite? For just $3 or $5 a month, you can choose between a personal or family plan and watch your spare change transform into a financial powerhouse. And if you’re worried about pesky fees, fear not! Both plans come with access to over 55,000 ATMs where you can check your balance and make withdrawals without paying a single cent. Plus, with the added bonus of automatic rounding up on purchases, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your wealth can grow.
Acorn
Just follow these simple steps:
1) Open an account with Acorns and download the mobile app.
2) Choose your plan (Personal or Family, because who doesn’t love a good family investment?).
3) Begin rounding up your purchases and investing the difference at the speed of lightning.
4) Stash your initial $100 investment in a top-tier Personal or Family plan.
4. Investing in Smaller Pieces of Stock
Ready to join the big leagues of investing, but don’t have a million bucks to throw around? No problem! With fractional shares, you can get a slice of the pie without breaking the bank. That’s right, these are basically just small pieces of individual stocks that let you buy in with as little as $100. And the best part? You can diversify your investment and spread it across a variety of stocks and assets that fit your portfolio like a glove.
How to?
Have you ever wanted to invest in a particular company but didn’t have enough money to buy an entire share? Fractional share investing is a solution to this problem. It allows you to purchase a portion of a stock, rather than the full share. For example, instead of buying one share of a $100 stock, you could invest $10 in 10 different stocks. This way, you can still invest in a variety of companies and build a diverse portfolio, even if you don’t have a lot of capital to start with.
M1.com
M1.com makes it a breeze to open an account and join the crypto craze. With their super low fees (aka, none!) and the option to start investing with just a measly dollar, even the poorest of peasants can join in on the fun. Plus, they offer a variety of flashy virtual coins to choose from, like BTC, ETH, LTC, and the ever-classy DOGE.
This top-notch platform has no pesky commissions and no minimum balance requirements, making it the perfect choice for any investor looking to diversify their portfolio to the max. Plus, with m1.com, you can feel good about investing even if you don’t have a ton of cash to throw around.
5. Real Estate
Real estate investors have hit the jackpot in the past few years! According to the National Association of Realtors, the median price for a single-family home skyrocketed 15.7% from May 2021 to May 2022. That’s practically free money for just one year of sitting on your couch! And this upward trend in housing prices has been going on for a whole decade. Looks like investing in real estate is a no-brainer.
If you want to enter the world of real estate, you better have some deep pockets! It takes a small fortune just to get started in this industry. That’s why I usually recommend taking the easy way out and investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) instead. No muss, no fuss, no need to empty your life savings.
How To?
With the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) nifty investments, you can sit back and let the profits roll in without lifting a finger. Just pick a fund, invest your money, and watch your balance grow as real estate profits come in. It’s like having a personal real estate empire without any of the dirty work.
If you want to get in on the REIT action, my top pick is Fundrise. And let me tell you, they’ve got some fancy stuff going on over there — they sell private equity REITs, or what they like to call ‘eREITs’ (trademarked, of course). But the best part? You can start investing with as little as $10. And, as a bonus, the starter account comes with some sweet auto-invest and dividend reinvestment features.
6. Worthy Bonds
Need to add a little excitement to your boring old savings account? Check out Worthy! They offer bonds with a fixed interest rate of a whopping 5% (I know, I know, it’s not exactly the lottery, but it’s something). And the best part? You only need $10 to get started. Plus, your interest compounds on a daily basis. No hidden fees, and you get the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing that your money is going to businesses that are doing good in your community. It’s like doing a good deed while also making some cash. Win-win!
How To?
Want to join the Worthy team and start raking in those 5% interest rates? Good news — opening an account is a breeze! Plus, there are no pesky fees or penalties to worry about. And, since each bond only costs $10, you can start off your investment journey with a bang by buying 10 bonds right out of the gate (just make sure you have $100 handy).
Just head on over to their website and select the option to open a new account. From there, you can start buying bonds in $10 increments like they’re going out of style. And don’t worry about any hidden fees — there aren’t any! Just sit back and watch the interest accumulate in your account on a daily basis.
Conclude
In conclusion, it’s important to remember that becoming a millionaire isn’t something that happens overnight. It requires a combination of careful planning, smart investment strategies, and a willingness to take calculated risks. By following the tips outlined in this article, you’re well on your way to achieving your millionaire goal. Don’t be afraid to start small — even investing just $100 can make a big difference in the long run. Stay committed, diversify your portfolio, and never stop learning and you’ll be well on your way to financial success.
