**Starting with just $100? Here's how to actually grow it**

Skip the "need more money to invest" excuse. Small doesn't mean powerless—it's about getting started.

**The fastest plays for beginners:**

1. **Fractional shares** - Own Tesla/Apple without dropping thousands. Apps like Robinhood let you buy slices for $1.

2. **REITs (real estate lite)** - Fundrise: $10 entry, zero landlord headaches, auto-dividend reinvestment.

3. **Robo-advisors** - M1 Finance: build your own investment "pie" with pre-made templates, $100 minimum.

4. **Roth IRA** - Tax-free growth for life. Max contribution 2024: $7,000 (or $8,000 if 50+).

5. **Skill investing** - Online courses/certifications ($100 = 6+ months on MasterClass). ROI? Could land you a promotion or career switch.

**The wild card: team tactics** - Pool money with friends, hit multiple bank sign-up bonuses ($300+ each). Legal loophole, used since the 70s.

**The reality:** $100 → $1,000 needs time + patience + zero panic selling. Market dips are features, not bugs. Diversify, reinvest dividends, forget it exists for 5+ years.

Key principle: *amount doesn't matter, consistency does.* Start messy, start small, just start.