If you’re considering investing in stocks but feeling unsure, it might be time to take the plunge. Starting with just $100 can kickstart your investing journey, with options like the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF or the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF offering growth and dividend income opportunities.

The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF boasts a 3.9% dividend yield, with a 5-year average annual return of 9.01% and a 10-year average annual return of 11.02%. It tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 index, featuring companies like Amgen, Cisco Systems, and AbbVie.

While S&P 500 index funds can offer higher returns, dividend income from ETFs like Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF can be crucial during economic downturns. Reinvesting dividends can lead to more shares and increased payouts, providing stability in volatile markets.

Before investing in Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF, note that it didn’t make the cut for the Motley Fool Stock Advisor’s top 10 stocks. Past recommendations like Netflix and Nvidia have yielded significant returns, with Stock Advisor’s total average return outperforming the S&P 500 by 810%.

Individual investors like Selena Maranjian have positions in companies like AbbVie, Amgen, and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AbbVie, Amgen, Cisco Systems, and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, emphasizing the importance of dividend income in a diversified portfolio.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: The $100 Investment That Could Change Everything