We know that growing your savings is important.

But actually living out our desire to save and invest may be more of a challenge.

A common excuse for not investing and growing your savings is a lack of money to even begin investing. We may think we need a large sum to put down initially in order to actually make a difference in your overall account.

But did you know you can start investing with even just a little bit of money in your account?

Investing can be a great habit to get into, especially as you look toward larger purchases and funds, such as a down payment on a house, vehicle purchases and even retirement. No matter how much you start out with, putting a little money away now can make a big difference in the long-run when you choose to invest.

For many, getting started on your investment is one of the most challenging steps. We know we need to invest, but making that first move can be intimidating. But it doesn’t need to be. Here, we share eight easy and simple ways you can start investing today when you have less than $1000.

1. Start with Savings

To grow your investment opportunities, it’s helpful to begin by continuing to save. Even if you can just put a little bit of your paycheck each month, the amount you can accumulate by doing so can help you set up for more profitable investments. Putting these funds in a savings account through your local bank or credit union or online platform, can help you earn additional interest on your account balance to help you earn a little extra, regardless of your balance. Be sure to choose a savings account with no extra or hidden fees, or any other small requirements, that you should be mindful of. With some savings accounts, you can also earn additional sign-on bonuses and new account benefits.

Although these savings accounts can get you some great benefits, it also won’t help your balance accumulate quickly, as interest rates you’ll earn are fairly minimal. But if you want access to your money when you want, without any restrictions, a savings account can be a good first step.

2. Peer-To-Peer Lending

Being a peer-to-peer lender allows you to work directly with borrowers and earn interest from them. With platforms like Lending Tree or Prosper, you can earn a profit on the “investment” you make on the borrower. Working through this platform also allows you to be more secured in how you lend your money and ensuring that you’ll get your deserved return on the investment, or loan, you make.

3. Use Online Platforms

Keeping up on all the latest and greatest investment opportunities can be very time-consuming. Consider checking into robo-advisors, or specially designed online platforms that do all the investment and research work for you with just a small fee. Platforms like Betterment and M1 Finance allow you to choose how you want to invest and selects a collection of exchange-traded funds that can help you get a return you want. Many of these accounts also don’t require minimum initial account deposits, so you can get started with however much you have.

4. Contribute to Your Retirement Plan

If your employer contributes to your retirement fund through a traditional or Roth IRA, add to it. Especially if your employer matches your contribution, adding your own amount can help you boost your retirement fund even more.

5. Invest in US Treasury Securities

For a safer, less riskier investment options, invest with the United States Treasury Department with securities. Often, you can start with as low amount as $100 in this short term loans that range anywhere from 30 days to decades.

6. Choose Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are a safer investment option compared to straight stocks as they incorporate a wider collection of different stocks and bonds to create a sustainable investment opportunity. You can easily find mutual funds you can invest in with just a small minimum to meet you where you’re at financially.

7. Online Brokerage Firms

Like online platforms, there are brokerage firms that can help you make smart investment decisions for where you are and where you want to be. Look into companies like Ally, SoFi or Etrade that are fully online and allow you to make your investments with however much you choose to invest.

8. Invest in Your Own Skills

A path toward better financial management and success has the potential to grow by investing in yourself. Whether that’s your own small business or developing your skills, focusing on being better equipped for more career opportunities that can lead to higher paychecks down the road.

Start Investing, Today

Regardless of how much you’re able to begin investing, there’s a way you can grow your balance right now.