What’s the Best Way to Invest $100 Right Now? (2025 Edition)
If you’re holding onto an extra $100 and wondering how to make it work for you, you’re not alone. With inflation nibbling at your savings and investing platforms making it easier than ever to get started, now is the perfect time to put that money to work. But where should it go?
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Bettye
6/5/20253 min read
What’s the Best Way to Invest $100 Right Now? (2025 Edition)
If you’re holding onto an extra $100 and wondering how to make it work for you, you’re not alone. With inflation nibbling at your savings and investing platforms making it easier than ever to get started, now is the perfect time to put that money to work. But where should it go?
In this post, we’ll break down the best ways to invest $100 right now in 2025, depending on your goals, risk tolerance, and interest level. Let’s make that small amount the beginning of something big.
1. High-Yield Savings Account (For Zero Risk)
If you're ultra-cautious or saving for a short-term goal, a high-yield savings account might be the best place to park your money. These accounts typically offer 4–5% APY and are FDIC insured.
Best for: People who want guaranteed growth with zero risk.
Top picks: Ally Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Capital One 360
Growth potential: At 5% APY, $100 becomes $105.12 in a year. Not huge, but safe and liquid.
2. Invest in an S&P 500 Index Fund (For Long-Term Growth)
If you want your $100 to grow over decades, a low-cost S&P 500 ETF like VOO or SPY is a classic choice. Historically, the S&P 500 has averaged 8–10% annual returns over time.
Best for: Long-term investors, retirement planning, hands-off growth
How to invest: Use apps like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, or M1 Finance with fractional shares
Growth potential: If you add just $100/month at 10% annual growth, you could have over $20,000 in 10 years
3. Use a Micro-Investing App (For Simplicity + Automation)
Apps like Acorns, Stash, or Public let you start investing with as little as $5. You can invest your spare change, get educational tools, and automate everything.
Best for: Beginners who want hands-off investing and easy UI
Cost: Small monthly fee ($1–$5/month)
Bonus tip: Acorns includes a debit card that rounds up your purchases and invests the difference.
4. Buy Crypto (For High-Risk, High-Reward Potential)
With your $100, you could invest in fractional cryptocurrency—Bitcoin, Ethereum, or promising altcoins. While volatile, crypto has changed lives (and emptied wallets). Only invest money you’re prepared to lose.
Best for: Risk-takers and tech-savvy investors
Platforms to try: Coinbase, Kraken, or Robinhood
Risk warning: This is speculative and prices swing dramatically. Never go all in with just crypto.
5. Invest in Yourself (For the Highest ROI Long-Term)
Sometimes, the best investment isn't in the market—it’s in you. Buy a course, attend a virtual workshop, or purchase tools that help you build skills or a side hustle.
Ideas for your $100:
- Skillshare or Coursera membership
- Canva Pro or ChatGPT Plus subscription
- Etsy starter materials
- Online resume review or coaching
Best for: Entrepreneurs, career changers, and skill-builders
6. Invest in Real Estate (Yes, With $100!)
You don’t need a down payment to get started. Real estate crowdfunding platforms like Fundrise or Arrived Homes let you invest in real property for as little as $10–$100.
Best for: People who want real estate exposure without buying a house
Watch out for: Liquidity lock-in periods (you may not be able to withdraw for a few months/years)
7. Buy a Fractional Share of a Stock You Believe In
Want to own part of Tesla, Apple, or Amazon but can’t afford a full share? You can now buy fractional shares for as little as $1.
Great platforms: Robinhood, Fidelity, SoFi, Cash App
Choose companies you believe in and hold long-term.
Final Thoughts: Where Should You Put Your $100?
There's no universal answer—but here's how to decide:
Your Goal
Best Option
Safety + no risk
High-Yield Savings
Long-term retirement
S&P 500 ETF or Roth IRA
Hands-off automation
Micro-investing apps like Acorns
Fast (but risky) growth
Crypto or individual stocks
Building a side income
Invest in a course or small biz tool
Real estate exposure
Crowdfunding platform like Fundrise
Start small, stay consistent, and revisit your strategy every few months. The key is not the amount—it’s the habit you build.
Best, Everyday Bettye
Are you ready? Let's start this journey! We would love to hear your comments!
How to Start Investing with Just $100 – Mini Financial Planner sold on Gumroad
https://7488873896370.gumroad.com/l/sczxeh
Free Resource: Beginner's Investing Starter Kit
To help you get started, I’ve created a free Investing Starter Kit. It includes:
- A beginner’s investing checklist
- Platform comparison chart
- Sample $100 investment portfolio
You can download it for free [click here]
If that does not work, click on the link to be taken to the Investing Starter Kit.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tTraDgfcTgcrNUqwM5bea71LJKcD6xVfkLBLyOn07Uk/edit?tab=t.0.
It’s perfect for tracking your progress and gaining confidence.
Editable Credit Card and Other Debt Payoff Calculator Spreadsheet sold on Etsy
Submit any Comments.
We’d love to hear from you!
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Create your website with ease at Hostinger.
Please use this link to create! https://hostinger.com?REFERRALCODE=1BJONESBNJY97