How to invest with little money?

Many people believe that to invest in the stock market, you need to be rich, have thousands of pesos saved, or be familiar with terms like "derivatives," "volatility," or "preferred stocks." Nothing could be further from the truth. Today, thanks to technology and new platforms, investing is accessible to everyone, even if you have a modest income or are starting from scratch.

In this post, we explain how much money you really need to start investing, what options exist, how to reduce risks, and how to take your first steps without needing to be an expert.

Investing with little money.

The short answer: no.

Traditional investing used to require large sums and professional advice, but that has changed radically. Today, you can invest with little money, starting with $100 pesos (or even less) using accessible apps like Flink, GBM+, Bursanet, or eToro, depending on the country you live in.

Example:

With $100 pesos, you can buy a fraction of a share of Tesla, Apple, or an S&P 500 ETF.

But be careful:

Just because you can start small doesn't mean you should jump in without understanding anything. The ideal is to start small and learn along the way.

Step 1: Set your financial goal

Before investing, ask yourself:

• Why do I want to invest? (to save, generate income, grow my money)

• How long will it take me to use that money?

• Am I willing to watch my money go up and down without panicking?

This will help you determine whether a more conservative investment (such as bonds) or something with greater growth potential (such as stocks or ETFs) is right for you.

Step 2: Define your investment budget

Basic rules:

• Don't invest money you need to live (rent, food, etc.)

• Don't go into debt to invest

• Start with what you can afford to lose without affecting your daily life

  
  

Recommendation for beginners:

• Start with $100 to $1,000 pesos a month

• Think of investing as a habit, not a stroke of luck

• See this as part of your financial education

  
  

Realistic example:

You have a monthly income of $10,000. If you save 5%, you can invest $500 a month. In one year, you'll have $6,000 invested (not including earnings).

Step 3: Choose the right platform

Today, there are many apps and brokers that allow you to invest from your cell phone, without high commissions and without the need for advanced knowledge.

Some popular platforms in Latin America:

• Flink (MX): From $30 MXN, access to fractional shares

• GBM+ (MX): From $100 MXN, ETFs and stocks

• eToro (global): Social trading, stocks, ETFs, and crypto

• Ualá, Invercop, or Buenbit (depending on the country)

Look for a platform that is:

• Secure (regulated by financial authorities)

• Intuitive (easy to use)

• With low fees

  
  

Step 4: Choose what to invest in

The most recommended options for beginners:

1. ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)

• They diversify your money across many companies at the same time.

• Ex: S&P 500 ETF (SPY), Technology ETF (QQQ)

• Low costs and moderate risk

  
  

2. Fractional shares

• You can buy just a portion of an expensive stock.

• Example: $100 MXN worth of Apple instead of $3,000 MXN.

• Perfect for learning with little capital.

  
  

3. Automatic investment funds

• Some apps offer pre-built portfolios based on your profile.

• More passive, ideal for those who don't want to complicate things.

  
  

Step 5: Learn while you invest

Investing without understanding what you're doing can be risky. Therefore, it's key to use each step as an opportunity to learn.

Tips for learning without getting overwhelmed:

• Read blogs like StockerOwl

• Follow financial accounts on Instagram or TikTok (but beware of "gurus")

• Try stock market simulators

• Track your investments month by month

• Ask and share questions on forums like Reddit or Discord

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I only have $100 pesos, is it worth it?

Yes. Not because of the immediate return, but because of the habit you form. Investing is learned by doing.

How much can I earn?

It depends on the asset, the term, and the risk. An ETF can give you between 6% and 10% annually on average, but it's not guaranteed.

What if I lose my money?

There's always a risk. That's why it's key to diversify and not invest in money that you need in the short term.

Conclusion: Start small, but start.

You don't need to be a millionaire or an expert to start investing. With just $100 pesos, you can take your first step toward a more stable financial future with greater control over your money.

The most important thing is to start. Learn, adjust, test, and continue. Knowledge is gained along the way, and your future self (and your wallet) will thank you for it.

And remember! The StockerOwl is here to help you make sense of it all. 🦉