Step 1/7
ETF basics
What an ETF is (and what it is not). Why people use index funds.
Open →ETFCompass Guide (7 steps)
Follow the steps. Keep it simple. Use calculators after the basics are clear.
Before we start
Make investing easy (the foundations)
This guide assumes your day-to-day finances are already stable.
- Commit to a long-term plan (years/decades, not weeks).
- Save consistently (automation beats motivation).
- Stabilize income and control spending so investing doesn’t feel stressful.
- Build an emergency fund first.
Emergency fund size (quick rule)
- 3–6 months of essential expenses is a solid baseline.
- 6–12 months if income is unstable, you have dependents, or your job risk is higher.
Keep it liquid and low-risk. Don’t put your emergency fund into stocks.
Step 2/7
Diversification
Why spreading risk is usually better than picking “winners”.
Open →Step 3/7
Stocks vs bonds
What each part does in a portfolio, and what to expect in bad years.
Open →Step 4/7
Portfolio templates
Simple examples (100/0, 80/20, 60/40) and how to think about risk.
Open →Step 5/7
Choose a core ETF
A beginner checklist: UCITS, TER, accumulating, size, replication.
Open →Step 6/7
How to buy ETFs
Practical buying basics: limit orders, spreads, DCA vs lump sum.
Open →Step 7/7
Maintain your portfolio
Rebalancing, what to track, what to ignore — and the common emotional mistakes.
Open →Next
Use calculators
After the guide, calculators help you test assumptions and avoid vague thinking.
Open Calculators →Also useful
Read the Blog
Short, beginner-friendly articles on costs, diversification, simple portfolios, and common mistakes — written for EU/UCITS investors.
Open Blog →Go deeper (hubs)
Topic hubs
Use these when you want depth without losing structure.