“I can’t afford to invest.”
That’s one of the most common statements among people who live paycheck to paycheck or are drowning in expenses. But here’s the reality: you can start investing with as little as $10, even if you think you’re broke.
In fact, 2025 is the best time in history to start small, thanks to new financial technology, micro-investing platforms, and fractional shares.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- Real options to start investing with $10
- Real-world examples and platforms that support micro-investing
- Evidence from financial experts and research
- Common mistakes to avoid
- What your small investment can grow into over time
Why $10 Can Be Enough to Start
Let’s clear one myth right away: you don’t need thousands to begin investing.
According to a 2023 report from Charles Schwab, over 59% of millennials believed they needed at least $1,000 to start investing. The truth is that today’s platforms let you start with much less—even $1.
Fractional Shares Make Investing Affordable
With fractional shares, you can buy a small slice of expensive stocks like Amazon or Apple. For example:
Amazon stock (AMZN) costs around $180 per share in 2025
You can buy $10 worth of Amazon, and own 0.055 shares
Apps like Public, Robinhood, and Fidelity support this kind of investing.`
Best Platforms to Start Investing With $10
1. Public.com – Great for beginners and community learning
Let’s get practical. Here are evidence-based options where your $10 can go to work today.
- $0 commissions
- Fractional shares
- Offers guidance and news updates
- SEC registered
💬 Investor review (Trustpilot, 2024): “It felt easy, and $10 didn’t feel like a risk. I bought a piece of Apple and started learning.”
2. Acorns – Turn spare change into investments
- Automatically rounds up purchases and invests them
- Uses ETF portfolios based on your risk
- $3/month fee (avoid if you’re only investing $10, but good once you scale)
3. Fidelity Investments – Trusted and established
- Offers fractional shares through “Stocks by the Slice”
- $0 commissions
- No minimum balance
Binance/Coinbase – For crypto investments (higher risk)
- Start with $5 or $10
- Buy fractions of Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins
Note: Crypto is highly volatile. Consider it only after understanding the risks.
Real Evidence That Small Investing Works
Let’s say you invest $10 per month, consistently, for the next 20 years.
Using an average 8% annual return (a conservative estimate based on S&P 500 historical performance), here’s what you’ll get:
Real Evidence That Small Investing Works
| Time | Total Invested | Estimated Value (8% return) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | $120 | $124 |
| 5 years | $600 | $734 |
| 10 years | $1,200 | $1,835 |
| 20 years | $2,400 | $5,886 |
Now imagine scaling up to $25 or $50/month later. That’s how real wealth is built—starting small, staying consistent.
How to Actually Invest Your $10
Let’s break down exactly what to do.
Step 1: Pick Your Platform
Choose a low- or no-fee platform that supports fractional investing.
Examples: Public, Fidelity, Robinhood, SoFi
Step 2: Choose an Asset
For your first $10:
- Consider a low-cost ETF (like VOO, which tracks the S&P 500)
- Or buy a fraction of a company you believe in
Avoid complex or trendy assets for now.
Step 3: Set Recurring Contributions
- Even if it’s just $10/month, automate it. This builds discipline.
Step 4: Track and Learn
Your goal is not to get rich overnight. It’s to build habits and learn. Use the platform’s educational resources or follow blogs like this one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Investing in “get rich quick” schemes
– Avoid penny stocks, random crypto coins, or TikTok “hot tips.” - Paying high fees on small balances
– If you invest $10, don’t use a platform that charges $5/month. - Putting all your money in crypto
– Crypto is tempting but volatile. Start with safer assets.
🛡️ Tip: Stick to diversified ETFs or top-tier stocks to reduce risk.
Real-Life Case Study
Sarah, 22, from Texas, started investing with $10/month in 2019 using Acorns.
By 2024, she had:
- Increased her contributions to $50/month
- Built a portfolio worth over $4,200, mainly in ETFs
- Learned enough to open a Roth IRA and start long-term planning
🗣️ “It wasn’t the amount. It was the habit. Once I saw the $10 grow, I wanted to do more.” – Sarah G.
So What’s the Catch?
There’s no catch—but here’s what you do need:
- Patience. Investing is slow magic.
- Discipline. Consistency beats intensity.
- Learning. Knowledge will help you scale.
And yes, $10 may seem small. But that’s how every journey starts.
“A journey of a thousand dollars begins with a $10 transfer.”
Bonus: What to Do After Your First $10
Once you get started, here are ways to supercharge your progress:
- Read 1 investing book per month (The Little Book of Common Sense Investing is a great start)
- Take free courses on Khan Academy or Coursera
- Track your net worth and savings using apps like Mint or YNAB
- Join Reddit forums like r/personalfinance or r/fire
Conclusion: Start Now, Not Later
You don’t need to be rich to invest. You don’t even need to wait. You just need $10 and the courage to begin.
This is your invitation to stop watching others grow their money and start growing yours.
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