Are you curious about investing but not sure where to start? Maybe you’ve heard friends talk about the stock market or seen videos about passive income, and you’re wondering if it’s something you should do too. The good news is: investing isn’t just for the rich. With as little as €100, you can start building your financial future. Let’s walk through the basics in simple terms.
What Is the Stock Market?
The stock market is like a big marketplace where people buy and sell pieces of companies. These pieces are called stocks or shares. When you buy a stock, you’re buying a small ownership in a company.
Let’s say you love a coffee brand and believe it will grow. If that company is public (listed on the stock market), you can buy a few of its shares. If the company does well, the value of your shares can go up. If the company does poorly, the value can go down too. That’s the risk — and the opportunity — of investing.
Different Types of Investments
Before jumping in, it's helpful to know the difference between a few common investment types:
1. Stocks (Shares)
As mentioned, these are pieces of companies. They can grow a lot in value, but they can also lose value quickly. Example: Buying one share of a tech company.
2. Bonds
These are loans you give to companies or governments. They pay you back over time with interest. Bonds are usually less risky than stocks but also grow slower. Example: Buying a government bond that pays 2% per year.
3. ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)
Think of ETFs as baskets of investments. Instead of buying one stock, you buy a collection of stocks or bonds. This helps spread out risk. Example: An ETF might include 100 top European companies in one product.
4. Mutual Funds
These are also collections of stocks or bonds, but they’re managed by professionals. You usually pay a fee for that service. ETFs and mutual funds are similar, but ETFs are generally cheaper and easier for beginners.
Starting with a Small Budget: How to Invest €100
You don’t need thousands of euros to get started. Many online brokers and apps now let you invest small amounts.
Example Plan for Investing €100:
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€50 into an ETF: Choose a simple, low-cost ETF like one that tracks the world’s biggest companies (often called a "global ETF"). This spreads your money across many countries and industries.
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€30 into stocks: Pick one or two companies you believe in. You don’t have to buy a whole share — many platforms allow you to buy fractional shares (like 0.1 of a stock).
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€20 into savings or bonds: If you want part of your money safer, put some into a low-risk bond or high-interest savings option.
This mix helps balance risk and growth potential — even with just €100.
Tips Before You Start
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Only invest money you don’t need right away. The market goes up and down. It's best to leave your investments untouched for a few years.
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Do your research. Don’t just follow social media trends — learn about what you’re buying.
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Start small and stay consistent. It’s better to invest €25 each month than to wait until you have a big amount.
Final Thoughts
Investing can seem scary at first, but it becomes easier once you understand the basics. With just a small amount of money and a bit of patience, you can begin your journey toward financial growth. Remember: every expert investor once started as a beginner — just like you.