Can You Actually Invest with $10?
When I first started thinking about investing, I assumed I needed thousands in the bank just to get in the game. That idea held me back for way too long. What I didn’t realize? You can start investing with as little as $10. Seriously.
We live in a time where investing has never been more accessible. You don’t need a Wall Street advisor, a fat paycheck, or a finance degree. All you need is your phone, a few bucks, and the willingness to get started.
I started with ten bucks. That’s it. And while it didn’t make me rich overnight, it got me moving. That small step turned into a habit—and that habit turned into real progress. If you’re still stuck thinking you need to “wait until you have more,” let me tell you from experience: starting now is more valuable than waiting for the perfect amount.
That mindset shift was a big part of how I stopped the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle and started building momentum. I talk more about that in my journey out of paycheck stress, but it all started with small moves like this.
What’s the Best Way to Start Investing a Small Amount?
Once I realized I could start with $10, the next question was obvious: Where do I put it?
There are a lot of choices out there, but if you’re working with a small budget and want it to be simple and automatic, my go-to pick is Acorns.
Here’s why Acorns is perfect when you’re starting out:
- It’s hands-off. You don’t need to research stocks or time the market.
- It auto-invests spare change. It rounds up your purchases and invests the difference.
- You can start with literally $5. Yes, five bucks.
- Low fees and clean app design. It just works.
When I was overwhelmed with choices, Acorns gave me a way to take action without stressing over every dollar. If you’re brand new to investing, this is honestly one of the easiest ways to begin. You can sign up with my Acorns link here, and you’ll even get a free $5 to kickstart your account.
It’s not about becoming a millionaire overnight—it’s about starting the habit. And this makes it effortless.
You’re Starting With Just $10
After getting comfortable with Acorns, I started exploring other options—ones that gave me more control, variety, and potential for growth. Turns out, there are a few killer apps that let you invest small amounts without high fees or confusing setups.
Here are my top picks for beginner investors with limited cash:
1. Robinhood
If you want full control over your investments and want to start buying stocks or crypto yourself, Robinhood is the move.
- No commission fees on most trades
- You can buy fractional shares (so $10 can still get you in)
- Super easy to use
I started with a single stock and slowly built up from there. Plus, when you sign up with my Robinhood link, you’ll get a free stock as a bonus—just for starting.
2. Fundrise
I wanted to dip into real estate but wasn’t about to drop 20 grand on a rental property. Fundrise was the perfect alternative.
- You can start with as little as $10
- You invest in real estate projects without the landlord headaches
- It pays out in dividends + long-term growth
If you’ve ever wanted to get into real estate but didn’t know how, Fundrise is a great way to get in the game without all the work.
These apps all offer something different, but they have one thing in common—they let you start small and build at your pace.
How to Make Sure You’re Actually Growing That $10
Throwing $10 into an account is a good start—but if you want it to grow, you’ve gotta give it time and consistency.
Here’s what I learned after starting small:
1. Invest regularly, even if it’s small.
That $10 a week adds up over time—and builds the habit.
2. Reinvest your returns.
When you get dividends or small earnings, reinvest them instead of cashing out. Compound growth is the secret sauce.
3. Avoid emotional moves.
Don’t panic if the market dips. Small investors win by staying consistent—not trying to time the highs and lows.
It’s wild how even a little money, when invested consistently, can snowball. If you don’t believe it, check out how $14,000 turned into millions through nothing more than steady investing. That example blew my mind—and it started with a small investment, just like yours can.
Is It Better to Save or Invest $10?
This is a question I asked myself a lot in the beginning. I mean, what’s the point of investing if it’s just ten bucks, right? Wouldn’t it be safer to toss it into a savings account?
The short answer? If you’re saving for something short-term—like an oil change or a haircut—go ahead and save it.
But if you’re thinking long-term, even ten dollars is better off being invested.
Here’s why:
- Savings accounts earn next to nothing (even “high-yield” ones barely beat inflation)
- Investments grow—they go up and down, but they move forward over time
- The earlier you invest, the more time you give that money to compound
So yes, saving is important for emergencies. But if you’re stashing extra cash and it’s not earning, it’s not growing.
This realization is what helped me start focusing more on building income streams and less on hoarding money in low-yield savings. If you want to start earning while you sleep, even from small amounts, this list of passive income ideasshows you exactly where to begin.
What Can $10 Really Do? My Real Experience Starting Small
I get it—ten bucks doesn’t sound like much. And no, I didn’t turn $10 into a mansion and a Lambo. But what it did do? It got me moving.
That first $10 I invested was my starting line. I watched it grow. I added another $10. Then $20. Then I opened a second account. That tiny beginning gave me confidence—and it taught me that momentum is way more important than the amount you start with.
What I did with that first $10:
- Opened Acorns and let it round up spare change
- Bought a fractional share of stock on Robinhood
- Watched my mindset shift from “broke” to “builder”
- Realized I never wanted to rely on just one stream of income again
That’s what it’s really about—starting the journey, no matter how small. And if you haven’t yet, this post on why I’ll never rely on one income again shows exactly how that shift changed my path forever.
Common Mistakes People Make When Starting with Small Money
I made a few of these myself when I first got into investing with small amounts—so I’m laying them out here to help you skip the frustration (and wasted time).
1. Trying to “get rich quick”
This is the biggest one. Don’t expect your $10 to turn into $10,000 overnight. You’re not playing the lottery—you’re building a foundation.
2. Bouncing between apps too fast
I hopped around way too much in the beginning. Stick with one or two platforms and give them time to work. Constantly switching won’t grow your money—it’ll just distract you.
3. Getting scared when the market dips
Even a little drop used to make me second-guess everything. But small dips are normal. If anything, they’re buying opportunities when you’re investing long-term.
4. Letting your money just sit there
Some people sign up for an investing app and then forget to actually deposit anything. Open it up, transfer your $10, and make it work for you.
5. Not thinking long term
The secret to building wealth isn’t dropping big amounts—it’s staying consistent with small ones. That $10 a week can change your future if you let it.
How to Start Investing Today Without Overthinking It
Let me leave you with the most important part of this whole article: You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to begin.
If I could go back and talk to my past self, I’d say this:
- Start now—even if it’s just $10.
- Pick one simple app and automate it.
- Don’t wait for the “perfect time” or “more money.”
- Be consistent, not flashy.
- Learn as you go.
You don’t need to understand every market trend or predict the next hot stock. All you need is a little cash, a willingness to start, and the right platform.
Whether it’s using Robinhood to invest in individual stocks, going hands-off with Acorns to let your spare change work for you, or diving into real estate with Fundrise for long-term growth—you’ve got options.
Your $10 won’t change your life today. But it can change your habits—and those habits are what make all the difference.
Questions People Still Have About Investing with Just $10
Can I lose money if I only invest $10?
Yes—but not in a way that should scare you. The stock market goes up and down, so technically, your $10 could dip to $9.50 or even lower. But if you’re investing smart (think index funds or diversified apps), the long-term trend is growth. The key is to stay consistent and not panic over short-term drops.
What’s the best first stock to buy with $10?
If you want to pick a stock, go with something solid and long-term—think Apple, Microsoft, or a large ETF like VOO or SPY. But honestly, if you’re brand new, I recommend starting with fractional shares and learning as you go. That’s what makes Robinhood so useful—you can buy a slice of nearly any company without needing the full share price.
Is it really worth it to invest just $10?
It’s not about the money—it’s about the habit. That first $10 sets everything in motion. Once you start seeing your money grow (even if it’s slow), it builds motivation. Over time, the small amounts become bigger. That first $10 is the seed, not the harvest.
Can I invest in crypto with $10?
Yep. With platforms like Robinhood or Coinbase, you can invest in crypto with tiny amounts—even less than $10. Just be aware: crypto is volatile. I always treat it as a smaller, riskier piece of the puzzle—not the whole plan.
What’s better for my $10—stocks, crypto, or real estate?
If you’re just starting and want low risk, stocks or ETFs are usually the best choice. For hands-off growth, Acorns works great. If you want something different and longer-term, Fundrise lets you invest in real estate without needing big cash. I personally use all three based on my goals.
Do I have to keep adding money, or can I just invest once?
You can just invest once—but you’ll see real results if you build a habit. Even adding $10 a week can change your financial future. The goal is to create momentum that builds with time.
