How to Stop Your Money from Just "Passing Through": A Complete Guide to the Best Investments for Beginners in 2026
- sarah yonaha
- Jan 12
- 3 min read
Have you ever felt like your salary or allowance is just "visiting" your bank account? You get paid on the 25th, but by the 5th of the next month, you're already on a tight budget. If this sounds familiar, it’s a sign that you need more than just a savings account. You need to start investing.
In the past, investing seemed like a world reserved for men in suits staring at complicated charts all day. But today? You can become an investor while lying in bed with as little as 10,000 Rupiah. The problem is, with so many choices, beginners often get overwhelmed: "Should I buy stocks, crypto, or just stick to gold?"
To make sure you start on the right foot, let’s break down the most beginner-friendly investment types, complete with their risks and data!
Why Start Now?
Before we dive into the types, you need to understand the concept of Compounding Interest. Data from Standard & Poor’s shows that over the long term, the capital market provides average returns that far outperform inflation.
If you postpone investing just because you’re waiting to have "a lot of money," you’re losing out on time, which is actually your most valuable asset in the investing world.
Top Investments for Beginners
1. Mutual Funds (Specifically Money Market Funds)
A mutual fund is a pool of money from many investors managed by a professional Fund Manager (FM) who invests it into various instruments.
Why it fits: You don't need to stress over strategy. A pro handles it for you.
Risk: Very low to medium.
Capital: Starting from Rp10,000.
Fun Fact: According to the Indonesia Central Securities Depository (KSEI) report at the end of 2025, mutual fund investors continue to dominate the market because they are so easy to access via apps.
2. Gold (Precious Metals)
Gold is often called a safe haven. Its price tends to go up when the global economy is shaky or inflation is high.
Why it fits: It’s tangible (physical or digital), highly liquid (easy to sell), and prices generally rise steadily over the long term (5-10 years).
Risk: Risk of physical loss and short-term price fluctuations.
Capital: You can buy digital gold starting from 0.01 grams.
Data: Historically, the price of gold has seen an average annual increase of about 10-12% over the last 10 years.
3. Government Bonds (SBN)
This is basically you lending money to the Indonesian government to build the country, and the government promises to pay you back plus interest (called a "coupon").
Why it fits: 100% safe because it's guaranteed by law. There’s virtually zero chance of the government defaulting on its own citizens.
Types: ORI, SBR, Sukuk Tabungan, and Sukuk Ritel.
Capital: Minimum Rp1,000,000.
4. Digital Deposits
Unlike traditional bank deposits that can be a hassle, modern digital banks offer high interest rates with very simple terms.
Why it fits: Interest can reach 5-8% per year, far above a regular savings account.
Risk: Very low, as long as the bank is a member of the LPS (Deposit Insurance Corporation).
5. Blue Chip Stocks
A stock is proof of ownership in a company. For beginners, it's highly recommended to stick with "Blue Chip" stocks—large companies with healthy financial track records (e.g., BBCA, TLKM, ASII).
Why it fits: Potential for big profits from price increases (capital gains) and profit sharing (dividends).
Risk: High (High Risk, High Return). Prices can drop significantly in a single day.
Return Comparison (Annual Estimate)
Pro-Tips for "Newbie" Investors
Fix Your Emergency Fund First: Don't use your grocery money for investing! Make sure you have a backup fund of at least 3-6 months of expenses. This prevents you from panicking and "selling at a loss" if your investment value dips.
Know Your Risk Profile: Are you the "chill" type who doesn't mind a little dip (Conservative), or the brave type willing to risk a lot for big gains (Aggressive)?
Use OJK-Registered Apps: This is non-negotiable. Never deposit money into an app that doesn't have a clear license. Look for the OJK (Financial Services Authority) logo to keep your funds safe.
Diversify (Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket): Don't put all your money in just one stock. Spread it out; for example, 50% in mutual funds (safe), 30% in gold (stable), and 20% in stocks (aggressive).
Wrapping Up
Investing isn't a "get rich overnight" scheme. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. The key isn't how big your capital is, but how consistent you are in setting aside money every month.
So, from the list above, which one are you excited to try first? Remember, the best time to invest was 10 years ago, but the second-best time is TODAY.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and is not absolute financial advice. Every investment carries risk. Do your own research before making a decision.
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