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Saving money early is the key to a comfortable life in the future. For those starting their careers now, there are great mutual funds for young investors that help your money grow on its own.
The important thing is to choose options that charge low fees, because every penny saved today turns into a lot of money years from now.
Many people don’t realize it, but hidden fees can erode a large part of your earnings. That’s why researching the cheapest mutual funds for young investors is a smart decision to protect your hard-earned money.
In this guide, we show you how the main mutual funds for young investors work and how you can avoid unfair charges. Learn to organize your money in a practical way to ensure it works for you, not for the bank. Keep reading.
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The Money You Lose Without Knowing: Beware of Fees!

Many people are unaware that small fees can steal your savings over time.
Saving money for many years, like 35 or 45 years, makes this hidden cost grow significantly and eat up a huge portion of your future.
Think of it this way: if one investment charges almost nothing (0.015%) and another charges a lot (0.75%), the difference at the end of your retirement is massive.
High fees cancel out what you earn over time. In the end, you work for the bank, and your money doesn’t work for you.
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Therefore, you need to monitor these costs. The biggest secret for young people who want to succeed is controlling administration fees well.
An Honest Analysis of Mutual Funds for Young Investors

1. Fidelity ZERO Total Market Index Fund (FZROX)
The FZROX fund changed the rules of the game for those who want to invest in the United States. It simply does not charge any administration fee, which means 100% of your profit stays in your pocket.
By investing in it, you put your money into companies of all sizes, ranging from well-known giants to small ones that are growing, without giving anything away to the fund managers.
In this case, the advantage is that you don’t need a fortune to start: the minimum investment is zero reais.
This greatly helps those who are starting to work or who have little money left over at the end of the month.
With just $1, you already make your money compound with interest on interest, without the bank taking a part of it through hidden fees.
To take advantage, just open an account at Fidelity and schedule your purchases, ensuring that every cent works only for your future.
2. Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX) – Mutual funds for young investors
The FXAIX fund is the cheapest and most efficient way to track the S&P 500 index. It puts more than 80% of the money into the largest companies in the United States, investing in giants in sectors like technology, banking, and healthcare.
You pay a minimum fee of 0.015%. In practice, it costs only $1.50 per year for every $10,000 you invest. What you gain:
- Zero minimum to start: You don’t need a minimum amount, invest what you can.
- Money in hand: Withdraw your money when you need it (high liquidity).
- Follows the market: It is faithful to the index, without errors.
The FXAIX is suitable for those who accept a risk and want to build a good nest egg in America’s largest companies.
To start, open your account at the Fidelity brokerage. Schedule your deposits, and the brokerage does not charge brokerage or membership fees. Making your money work for you.
3. Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX)
The VTSAX is a historic fund that revolutionized passive investing.
It allows you to invest in the entire US stock market all at once.
There are over 3,400 companies in the portfolio, ranging from famous giants (like those in the S&P 500) to smaller ones that are growing fast.
The biggest advantage of VTSAX is that it spreads your risk as much as possible. If one company falls, the rest of the portfolio softens the loss.
Furthermore, the administration fee is extremely low: only 0.04%. This minimal cost makes your money yield more and protects the profit from your sweat.
This fund is ideal for those who can leave the money invested for more than ten years. However, you should know that it requires an initial investment of $3,000.
To prevent your profit from disappearing with extra fees, apply the money directly on the Vanguard platform. Outside brokerages charge a $100 transaction fee that you can save.
4. Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX)
The SWPPX fund from Charles Schwab is a very inexpensive way to invest in the 500 largest companies in the United States, the famous S&P 500.
It charges a minimum fee of 0.02% and puts your money into more than 500 global brands. It invests in the world’s largest companies right away.
The best part is that you can start with just $1. This makes it much easier for those who have little money left over and want to invest gradually, without pressure.
It is ideal for those who use Charles Schwab and want to build a solid financial foundation for the future.
5. Fidelity ZERO International Index Fund (FZILX) – Mutual funds for young investors
Want to invest outside the United States? The FZILX fund protects you by spreading your money across companies in various countries.
You should know that the FZILX tracks a global index, putting your money into more than 2,100 foreign stocks in Europe, Asia, and growing countries.
Best of all: it charges no administration fee (0.00%) and allows you to start investing with no minimum value.
It is worth noting that the fund is perfect for young people looking for shares of giants in other countries (like ASML, TSMC, and AstraZeneca), but who do not want to lose money with expensive fees from international funds.
To start, buy shares directly through your Fidelity brokerage account. This way, you put your money into FZILX along with your other stocks.
6. Fidelity Large Cap Growth Index Fund (FSPGX)
FSPGX Fund: Invest in Giant Technology with Minimal Fees. The FSPGX invests your money in the fast-growing large technology companies in the US, following the Russell 1000 Growth index.
Almost half of the fund is in technology companies (49.6%), followed by consumer services (13.16%) and communication (12.12%).
The administration fee is only 0.035%. This is much lower than the average for other similar funds (0.89%).
It is worth noting that the fund is good for young people who can handle the ups and downs of the stock market and believe that technology will continue to dominate the US.
To start investing, log in to Fidelity and buy FSPGX shares without paying online fees. Finally, you don’t need a minimum value to start.
Conclusion
To save money and secure your future, the secret is to spend little on fees and choose investments that spread your money.
Funds that track the largest companies are the most worthwhile. Avoid extra charges to protect every penny in your pocket.
Investing well is more about having focus than knowing difficult things. If you keep saving money even in bad times, you will get rich faster. Time is your best friend now that you are young.
Choose a brokerage right away and start saving a part of your salary every month automatically. Use the funds in this guide and make your money work hard for you starting today.
Now, how to start investing? We will help you with that too. If you follow this guide, you will significantly increase your chances of getting it right from the start. See how to star investing now.
