If you’re new to investing, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are one of the easiest ways to get started. They’re affordable, diversified, and carry less risk than buying single stocks. With just one ETF, you can own pieces of dozens — even hundreds — of companies.
At CreditVana, we believe investing should be as straightforward as checking your free credit score — and ETFs make that possible.
Step 1: Open a Brokerage Account
To buy ETFs, you’ll need a brokerage account. The good news: most brokers let you sign up online in about 15 minutes, with no account minimums or trading fees.
Prefer a hands-off approach? Robo-advisors can build a portfolio of ETFs for you and rebalance it automatically for a small annual fee (about 0.25%).
Step 2: Use a Screener to Find the Right ETFs
With thousands of ETFs available in the U.S., screeners are your best friend. Most brokers let you filter funds by:
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Expense ratio (fees)
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Performance
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Holdings
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Asset class (stocks, bonds, commodities, crypto, etc.)
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Geography (U.S., international, emerging markets)
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Investment style (growth, value, thematic)
💡 CreditVana Tip: Look for ETFs with expense ratios under 0.5% to maximize long-term returns.
Step 3: Place the Trade
Buying an ETF works just like buying a stock:
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Ticker symbol: Every ETF has a short code (e.g., “VOO” for Vanguard S&P 500 ETF).
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Order type:
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Market order → Buy at the best available price.
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Limit order → Buy only if the price hits your target.
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Number of shares: Decide how much you want to invest.
Most major brokers now offer commission-free ETF trades.
Step 4: Sit Back and Monitor
Congratulations — you’ve bought your first ETF! These funds can form the foundation of a long-term, diversified portfolio. You don’t need to check prices daily. Instead, revisit your investments once or twice a year to make sure they still align with your goals.
Best ETFs for September 2025
We screened ETFs with expense ratios under 0.5%, excluding leveraged and inverse funds, and ranked them by one-year performance.
| Ticker | Fund | 1-Year Performance |
|---|---|---|
| AUMI | Themes Gold Miners ETF | 94.65% |
| SLVP | iShares MSCI Global Silver & Metals Miners ETF | 86.09% |
| AGMI | Themes Silver Miners ETF | 85.72% |
| CHGX | Stance Sustainable Beta ETF | 83.67% |
| STCE | Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF | 78.14% |
| RING | iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF | 71.68% |
| CXSE | WisdomTree China ex-State-Owned Enterprises | 58.41% |
| IBLC | iShares Blockchain & Tech ETF | 56.03% |
| QTUM | Defiance Quantum ETF | 51.49% |
| FDIG | Fidelity Crypto Industry & Digital Payments ETF | 50.42% |
Source: Finviz, Sept. 2, 2025. For informational use only.
Types of ETFs
Different ETFs allow you to diversify across asset classes and sectors:
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Stock ETFs → Track indexes like the S&P 500.
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Bond ETFs → Provide stability and income.
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Commodity ETFs → Exposure to gold, silver, oil, and more.
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Thematic ETFs → Focused on industries like blockchain, clean energy, or AI.
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International ETFs → Access to companies outside the U.S.
Diversification is the key. If one sector underperforms, others in your ETF portfolio can balance it out.
CreditVana’s Take
ETFs make investing simple, low-cost, and diversified. Whether you’re just starting out or adding to an existing portfolio, they’re a powerful tool for building wealth over time.
Just like your credit score, investing success comes down to consistency, transparency, and long-term discipline.
👉 Bottom Line: Start with broad, low-fee ETFs, then add sector or thematic funds as your goals evolve. ETFs aren’t just investments — they’re a foundation for financial freedom.
