5 Easy Ways to Start Investing with Small Amounts (Even Just $10)

You don’t need thousands of dollars to start building wealth. In fact, many successful investors began with just a few bucks. Thanks to today’s tools and platforms, anyone can begin investing—even on a tight budget. Starting early, even with small amounts, gives your money more time to grow.

Here are five beginner-friendly ways to start investing with small amounts, including one that might just surprise you.

1. Micro-Investing Apps

Apps like Acorns, Stash, and SoFi Invest allow you to invest your spare change. These platforms automatically round up your purchases and invest the difference into diversified portfolios. For example, a $3.50 coffee becomes a $4.00 charge, and that extra $0.50 goes into investments. It’s a simple, hands-off way to build an investing habit without thinking about it.

2. Fractional Shares

Want to buy stock in companies like Apple or Amazon without shelling out hundreds of dollars? Many platforms now offer fractional shares. This means you can own a piece of a stock for as little as $1. Robinhood, Fidelity, and Charles Schwab all offer fractional investing, giving you access to high-performing companies with low capital.

3. High-Yield Savings or Robo-Advisors

While not technically stocks, high-yield savings accounts and robo-advisors like Betterment or Wealthfront can be great for low-risk, entry-level investing. Robo-advisors ask a few questions and then automatically invest your money based on your goals. You can often get started with just $10 or $20, and let algorithms do the heavy lifting.

4. Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIPs)

Some companies let you invest directly with them through Dividend Reinvestment Plans. These allow you to start investing directly in dividend-paying stocks and automatically reinvest the earnings to buy more shares. It’s a great long-term growth strategy with little effort required once set up.

5. Investing in Yourself Through Crowdfunded Ventures

The most surprising option? Investing small amounts into your own skills or side hustle through platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe. While it's not the stock market, backing your own ideas or even local small businesses can yield high returns—and gives you control over the outcome. Whether it’s launching an Etsy store or learning a monetizable skill through Udemy or Coursera, this route can pay off big over time.

Why Start Investing Now (Even If It’s Small)

Time is your greatest advantage when it comes to investing. Compound interest rewards consistency over size. Investing $20 a month starting in your 20s can outpace investing hundreds later in life. Plus, investing teaches discipline and builds long-term financial confidence. The earlier you start, the more your money works for you.

Conclusion

You don’t need to wait for a big paycheck to begin your investment journey. Whether it’s rounding up purchases, buying fractional shares, or backing your own ventures, small steps today can turn into big gains tomorrow. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your future grow.

Sources

Acorns – https://www.acorns.com

Robinhood – https://www.robinhood.com

Betterment – https://www.betterment.com

Charles Schwab – https://www.schwab.com

Kickstarter – https://www.kickstarter.com

Coursera – https://www.coursera.org