In this article, I want to have a chat with you, a beginner in the world of investing, and show that not only is it possible to start with little, but it can also be the first step toward a lighter, more peaceful, and why not? prosperous.
You know that feeling of always chasing after money but never being able to see it “work” for you? Well, yes. Many people believe that you can only invest when you have a large sum saved up. But what if I told you that, yes, you can start with a little? And the best part: in a safe, realistic way, without needing to become an expert overnight.
Before investing: some truths that no one tells
First of all, let’s get straight to the point: investing with little money is totally viable. However, it is essential to keep a few points in mind to avoid getting frustrated right from the start.
First of all, know that investing is not about getting rich quickly. On the contrary, it is a process, almost like planting a seed. It takes care, patience, and consistency. Even so, over time, the results appear and are rewarding.
Moreover, you don’t need to be a math genius or understand complex graphs. Gradually, as you become more familiar, everything starts to make more sense. So, if today you find all of this a “seven-headed monster,” take a deep breath and follow me.
Start with the emergency fund
Before thinking about stocks, cryptocurrencies, or any other trendy investment, there is a basic and essential step: create your emergency fund.
It is nothing more than an amount set aside for unforeseen situations, such as health problems, job loss, car repairs, or anything else out of the ordinary. This money needs to be in a safe and easily accessible place.
Where to invest the emergency fund?
The answer is simple: in the Selic Treasury or in a daily liquidity CDB from reliable banks. Both have low risk, higher returns than savings accounts, and allow for quick withdrawals in case of need.
How much to start with? It can be with R$ 30, R$ 50, or R$ 100 per month. The important thing is to start. The goal, generally, is to accumulate between 3 to 6 months of your living expenses. But if that seems distant right now, focus on the first month. Then, gradually grow.
Tesouro Direto: the favorite of beginners
After your reserve is formed or even while you are building it, you can start diversifying with simple and accessible investments, such as Treasury Direct. This is an excellent entry point for those who have little to invest.
The Tesouro Direto is a federal government program that allows anyone to lend money to the country and receive interest in return. Does it seem complicated? Calm down, in practice it’s quite simple.
What are the most common types?
- Tesouro Selic: ideal for emergency savings.
- Tesouro IPCA+: good for long-term goals, such as retirement.
- Fixed Rate Treasury: interesting when you believe the current rate is attractive and want to secure that yield until maturity.
The best part? You can invest with around R$ 30! In other words, literally anyone can start.
CDB: Bank Deposit Certificate
Another interesting investment for those starting with little money is the CDB. In summary, you lend money to a bank and, in return, it pays you interest.
The great advantage of the CDB lies in its variety. There are options with daily liquidity (ideal for reserves) and others that yield more but require the money to be invested for a period of time.
Many banks and fintechs offer CDBs starting at R$ 1. That’s right: one real. Moreover, they are protected by the FGC (Credit Guaranty Fund) up to R$ 250,000 per CPF and institution, which adds an extra layer of security.
Investment Funds: convenience for beginners
Another cool alternative is investment funds. In them, you put your money together with that of other people, and a professional manager takes care of the investments.
Although there are fees involved (such as management fees), the advantage lies precisely in the convenience. For those who are just starting and don’t want to deal with complex decisions, funds can be a good first step.
Some funds accept initial investments of R$ 100, and in certain brokerages, even less. Even so, it is important to read the details and understand the fund’s objective before investing.
ETFs: for those who want to invest in stocks without complications
If you want to invest in the stock market but still feel unsure, ETFs (exchange-traded funds) are an excellent starting point. They function like a “basket” of stocks, replicating the performance of an index, such as the Ibovespa.
In practice, this means that you invest in several companies at the same time, which reduces risks and increases the chances of long-term returns.
The best part? You can start with around R$ 10 to R$ 20, depending on the brokerage. In other words, it is possible to enter the world of variable income without significantly impacting your budget.
Fractional shares: start small in the stock market
If you want to buy specific stocks but find the prices high, there’s a solution: the fractional market. In it, you can buy just one share, instead of a lot of 100.
This allows you to invest in large companies with little money. For example, if a stock costs R$ 15, you can buy it without having to spend hundreds of reais.
Of course, you need to study a bit more to understand the risks. But it’s a great way to learn in practice, calmly and without rush.
Cryptocurrencies: yes, you can start with a little, but with caution
There is a lot of talk about Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies. And yes, they are accessible: with R$ 10 you can already buy a fraction of a cryptocurrency.
However, it is important to highlight: this type of investment is more volatile and risky. Therefore, only invest what you can afford to lose here. Crypto can be a part of your portfolio in the future, but it shouldn’t be the beginning of the journey.
Platforms that make your life easier
Fortunately, nowadays there are several brokers and digital platforms that make the act of investing something simple, fast, and accessible. Some well-known options are:
- Nubank
- XP Investments
- Rico
- Inter
- Banco Sofisa
- Claro
Many of them allow you to open a free account and invest from very low amounts. In addition, they offer educational content for those who are taking their first steps.
Extra tips for beginners
Study a little bit each day.
You don’t need to become an expert, but the more you understand, the better decisions you’ll make. A 10-minute read per day already makes a difference.
Avoid fads and miraculous promises
If someone promises 10% per month with no risk, run away. That doesn’t exist. Serious investment is the one that grows gradually and securely.
Consistency is more important than value
Investing R$ 50 every month for a year can yield more than investing R$ 1,000 all at once and stopping. Consistency beats speed.
Have patience
The fruits don’t appear overnight. But when they arrive, they are lasting.
The most important thing is to start
Investing is no longer a privilege of those who have a lot of money. With discipline, focus, and the help of current technologies, anyone can take the first steps. The secret is to start with what you have, where you are, and evolve as you learn.
Remember: knowledge is your greatest ally. And you don’t have to do everything at once. The most important thing is to keep moving forward, even if it’s slowly. After all, every great journey begins with a first step.
So, how about starting today?