How to Start Investing with Limited Funds

How to Start Investing with Limited Funds

When it comes to building wealth, investing isn’t just for people with thousands of dollars to spare. In fact, investing with small amounts of extra money is not only possible, but also smart. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow. And thanks to modern tools and guidance, learning how to start investing with little money is easier than ever.

Whether you’re just launching your career or balancing a growing family budget, small steps now can lead to progress later. Here’s how to get started.

Set Clear Goals First

Before you invest, think about what you’re working toward. Are you saving for a home, building a retirement fund, or just learning how investing works? Your goals—and your timeline—will help determine what kind of investments are right for you.

For example:

• Short-term goals (within 1-3 years) such as buying a car: You may want to keep funds more accessible and low risk.
• Long-term goals (5+ years) such as starting a college fund for your young child: You may be more comfortable investing in growth-focused options.

WesBanco’s team can help guide you based on your life stage.

Start with What You Have—Even If It’s Small

Next, think about how much you can set aside. You don’t need a large lump sum to begin investing. In fact, many platforms and investment accounts now let you invest with small amounts of money, sometimes as little as $5 or $10 at a time. The key is consistency. Small, recurring contributions can compound over time, especially when you reinvest your earnings.

Think of it like building a habit: the earlier and more consistently you start, the easier it becomes. You can begin by setting aside a small amount from each paycheck—say $20 or $40—and earmark it specifically for investing.

Use Retirement Accounts to Your Advantage

If your employer offers a 401(k) or similar plan, that’s one of the easiest ways to invest with small amounts of money, especially if there’s a company match involved. Even contributing 1–3% of your paycheck can set the foundation for long-term growth.

Don’t have access to an employer plan? Consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). WesBanco can help you explore options like traditional and Roth IRAs based on your income and retirement goals. Learn more on our Retirement Planning page.

Automate and Track Your Progress

The less effort something takes, the more likely you’ll stick with it. That’s why setting up automatic transfers, even for small amounts, can be a game-changer. Many investment accounts offer auto-invest features that help you stay consistent without even thinking about it.

You can also track your financial progress using tools like Personal Finance, available through WesBanco’s Digital Banking platform. It helps you budget, monitor your cash flow, and keep investment goals in sight—so you always know where you stand.

Learn as You Go, And Don’t Wait for “Someday”

One of the best ways to build financial confidence is to take small steps now and learn along the way. Don’t put pressure on yourself to become an expert in investment overnight; instead, just start by understanding the basics of low-risk investment opportunities. As always, WesBanco is here to guide you, on your terms. Whether you want full-service advice or just a little support, we’ll meet you where you are.

WesBanco Bank, Inc. is a Member FDIC. WesBanco Trust and Investment Services, a division of WesBanco Bank, Inc., may invest in insured deposits or Non deposit investment products. Non deposit investment products are not insured by the FDIC or any other government agency, are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by any bank or any affiliate, and are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount investment.

Content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal or financial advice. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of WesBanco.

While we hope you find this content useful, it is only intended to serve as a starting point. Your next step is to speak with a qualified, licensed professional who can provide advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Nothing in this article, nor in any associated resources, should be construed as financial or legal advice. Furthermore, while we have made good faith efforts to ensure that the information presented was correct as of the date the content was prepared, we are unable to guarantee that it remains accurate today.