How to invest $100 (8 Easy ways to get started)

Many people believe you need thousands of dollars to start investing, but that’s not true. In fact, you can begin your investment journey with as little as $100. While it might not seem like a life-changing sum, small investments made consistently can grow into something substantial thanks to the power of compounding.

If you’re ready to dip your toes into investing but don’t know where to start, this guide will walk you through eight simple ways to invest $100—and set the foundation for long-term financial growth.

Before You Invest: Know Your Goals and Risk Tolerance

Before choosing where to put your $100, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions:

What is my goal? Are you saving for retirement, building wealth, or just experimenting?
What’s my risk tolerance? Can you handle the ups and downs of the stock market, or would you prefer a safer path like savings accounts or bonds?
Do I want something passive or hands-on? Some investments require research and involvement, while others can be automated.

Once you’ve clarified your goals, you can pick the investment strategy that aligns best with your situation.

1. Invest in the Stock Market

One of the most common ways to grow money is through the stock market. Thanks to commission-free brokers, you can buy stocks or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with very small amounts. Some platforms even let you purchase fractional shares, meaning you don’t need to buy a whole share of an expensive company like Apple or Amazon.

Pros: Potential for high returns, easy access through online apps.
Cons: Stocks can be volatile in the short term.

Tip: Start with broad ETFs like the S&P 500 index fund. It spreads your $100 across hundreds of companies, reducing risk compared to picking one stock.

2. Real estate with small dollars

You don’t need thousands to get into real estate anymore. With crowdfunding platforms and REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts), you can invest in real estate with as little as $10–$100.

REITs are publicly traded companies that own or finance real estate and often pay dividends.
Crowdfunding platforms allow you to pool your money with other investors to fund real estate projects.
Pros: Exposure to real estate without being a landlord.
Cons: Returns vary, and some platforms have holding periods.

3. Try Collectibles and Alternative Assets

In recent years, investing in collectibles like art, sneakers, sports memorabilia, or even rare trading cards has become more accessible. Platforms now allow you to buy fractional shares of collectibles, lowering the barrier to entry.

Pros: Diversifies your portfolio beyond traditional assets.
Cons: Value depends on trends and demand, making it riskier.

This option is best for investors who enjoy unique assets and want to explore something outside of stocks and bonds.

4. Open a High-Yield Savings Account

Not every investment has to carry risk. If you’d prefer a safer approach, consider putting your $100 into a high-yield savings account (HYSA).

Unlike traditional savings accounts that pay close to zero interest, HYSAs often offer much higher annual percentage yields (APYs). While you won’t get stock-market-level returns, you’ll keep your money safe and liquid.

Pros: FDIC-insured, no risk of losing money, easy to access funds.
Cons: Returns are modest compared to other investments.

5. Index Funds: The Set-It-and-Forget-It Approach

Legendary investor Warren Buffett has often recommended index funds for beginners. An index fund is a basket of stocks designed to mirror a specific market index, such as the S&P 500.

With just $100, you can buy into a low-cost index fund or ETF through most brokers. It’s one of the easiest ways to gain exposure to a broad market without needing to research individual companies.

Pros: Diversified, low fees, historically strong long-term performance.
Cons: Like all stocks, values can drop in market downturns.

6. Start or Invest in a Small Business

Investing in a business isn’t just for wealthy entrepreneurs. Many side hustles and micro-businesses can be launched with as little as $100. Some examples include: a simple online store, offering freelance services using skills you already have, creating digital products, and so much more. The oppertunities are nearly endless.

Pros: Unlimited earning potential, builds active income streams.
Cons: Requires effort and risk—your $100 could go to waste if the idea doesn’t take off.

7. Invest in Yourself

Arguably the highest-return investment you can make is in yourself. Spending $100 on self-education or skill-building can pay dividends for decades.

Ideas include:

Taking an online investing or personal finance course.
Buying books on wealth building, entrepreneurship, or career advancement.
Attending workshops or networking events.

The more skills you gain, the more valuable you become—and that translates into higher earning potential over time.

8. Pay Down Debt

If you carry high-interest debt, such as credit card balances, the best “investment” for your $100 may be paying that down.

Why? Because every dollar you pay toward a 20% credit card balance is essentially a guaranteed 20% return. Few investments can match that.

Pros: Instant, risk-free savings on interest.
Cons: Doesn’t feel like traditional investing, but it sets the stage for wealth building.

Final Thoughts: Turning $100 Into Your Wealth-Building Habit

Investing $100 won’t make you a millionaire overnight, but it’s the habit that matters most. By starting small and committing to invest regularly, you’ll harness the power of compounding and put yourself on the path to financial freedom.

So whether you choose stocks, real estate, index funds, or simply paying off debt, the key is to start today. Your future self will thank you.

Pro Tip: If you can, make it a goal to invest $100 every month. Over time, that small step can snowball into a six- or even seven-figure portfolio.

If you want to learn more about investing in real estate with as little as $100

This book teaches proven methods to build successful and stable REIT portfolios with investments as small as 100$ (or €100).
Get started on building a portfolio that works FOR you in the real estate space.