Core Insights - The article discusses the concept of compound interest and disciplined investing, illustrating how small daily investments can accumulate significant wealth over time, specifically highlighting the potential to turn 2 yuan a day into 1 million yuan in 50 years with a 10% annual return [1] Investment Strategy - Emphasizes the importance of budgeting and not using emergency funds as investment capital, which can lead to forced selling during market downturns [2] - Recommends using simple budgeting methods like the 50/30/20 rule to determine how much can be allocated for investments each month [2] Product Selection - Suggests that beginners should focus on low-cost passive index funds or ETFs due to their transparency and lower risk associated with frequent trading [4] - Advises investors to consider the tracking index and tracking error when selecting funds, with a preference for broad indices and a tracking error below 0.3% [4] Market Considerations - Notes that while a 10% annual return is a reasonable expectation based on historical data, it is not guaranteed, and investors should be prepared for market fluctuations [4] - Highlights the impact of inflation on nominal returns, stressing the importance of focusing on real purchasing power rather than just account balances [4] Implementation Steps - Recommends setting up automatic contributions to low-fee index funds or ETFs and maintaining a balanced asset allocation that adjusts with age or risk tolerance [6] - Suggests keeping 3 to 6 months of living expenses as an emergency fund to avoid selling investments at a loss during market dips [6] - Encourages long-term commitment to investment strategies, emphasizing that consistent investing is key to leveraging the power of compounding [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of a systematic investment approach, particularly through the "three-part method" for fund investment, which aims to achieve stable returns that outpace inflation and bank savings [2][4]. Summary by Sections Initial Hesitation and Learning - The author initially hesitated to invest in funds due to a negative perception influenced by a colleague's comment about fund managers [2]. - The discovery of the Snowball App led to a renewed interest in fund investment, including a realization that previous investments were made through platforms like Alipay's Yu'ebao [2][3]. Understanding Fund Investment - The author gained a deeper understanding of fund investment concepts such as compound interest, asset allocation, rebalancing, and long-term investment through various resources, including a program featuring a discussion on pension investment [3]. - The recognition of the importance of a scientifically constructed fund portfolio based on individual risk tolerance was highlighted [4]. Implementation of the Three-Part Method - The author began implementing the "three-part method" for fund investment, which involves creating a reasonable investment portfolio to smooth out volatility and achieve average market costs through long-term investment [4][5]. - Two investment plans were created: a growth-oriented plan and an aggressive plan, which were shared with friends, indicating a growing acceptance of this investment strategy [5][6]. Investment Insights - Key insights learned from the investment experience include: 1. Fund investment should focus on the long term [7]. 2. Only use idle funds for investment, ensuring a reserve for emergencies [7]. 3. Long-term systematic investment helps to smooth out volatility and costs [8]. 4. Investor returns are influenced by both fund performance and individual investment behavior [9]. 5. Avoid trying to time the market; instead, focus on consistent investment to achieve average market costs [9]. 6. Avoid frequent fund switching and set realistic return expectations [11].