I'm 22, just started my first job, and want to put aside $50 every month towards investing. I've heard about index funds and ETFs but the number of options is overwhelming. Should I go with a robo-advisor like Betterment, or open a brokerage account and buy VOO/VTI directly? Any tips from people who started small? I'm in the US if that's relevant.
Great question! I started with $50/month in a Fidelity account buying FZROX (zero expense ratio). Two years later I bumped it to $200 and haven't looked back. Start simple, stay consistent.
Robo-advisors are great for beginners — lower cognitive load. Once you understand the basics after 12–18 months, consider migrating to a self-directed brokerage. Betterment → Fidelity was my journey.
The best investment is the one you actually make consistently. Whether it's $50 into VOO or a robo-advisor, just start. Time in market beats timing the market every single time.
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