Start here

Start investing in 3 steps

Open an account. Move money in. Buy one index fund. We'll show you every click — the reasons why can wait.

  • About 30 minutes
  • $0 to open
  • Start with any amount
  1. 1Open an account15 minutes
  2. 2Move money in1–3 days to arrive
  3. 3Buy an index fund2 minutes

First, check these three things

  • You have some emergency cash saved — even one month of bills is a start.
  • You don't owe credit card debt, or any debt above about 8% interest. Pay that off first.
  • If your job offers a 401(k) match, you're already putting in enough to get all of it.

All three true? Let's go.

Pick your provider

Can't decide? Any of the three is a great choice. They're all free, safe, and huge — and you can move later.

Step 1

Open a Roth IRA

A Roth IRA is a retirement account. Your money grows, and you pay no tax when you take it out in retirement.

The money you put in can still come out any time, with no penalty. Only the growth has to wait.

Have these ready

  • Social Security Number or ITIN
  • Photo ID — driver's license, state ID, or passport
  • Home address, phone number, and email
  • Your employer's name and address
  • Your bank's routing and account numbers — on the bottom of a check, or in your bank's app

Single and earning more than $153,000 a year (2026 limits)? You may not be able to put the full amount into a Roth IRA. Choose a regular brokerage account instead — every other step is the same.

Step 2

Move money in

Connect your bank, then send money to your new account.

Step 3

Buy an index fund

When your money arrives, it sits in your account as cash. It is not invested yet. You have to buy something.

This is the step most beginners miss.

That's it — you're an investor. Your balance will go up and down every day. That's what invested money looks like.

Optional, but worth it

Put it on autopilot

Set it up once, and you invest every payday without thinking about it.

Want to know why?

Why invest at allWhy saving alone isn't enough.What waiting costs youWhy starting this year beats starting with more later.

Three steps. One fund. You're done.

The rest is the easy part: keep adding, and let time do the work.

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This guide is general education, not personal financial advice. The funds named here are common examples of low-cost index funds, not a recommendation to buy any particular investment. Lilikoi Finances is not a licensed financial advisor, and your own situation — taxes, immigration status, debt, family obligations — can change what is right for you. For advice specific to your circumstances, speak with a fiduciary advisor.