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I Invested $5 a Day for 6 Months: Here’s What Happened

Writer's picture: Kevin - Financial TutorKevin - Financial Tutor


Ever thought about investing, but immediately dismissed it as something only the wealthy do? What if I told you you could start with just $5 a day and see real returns? No, this isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but rather the slow and steady approach. In fact, that’s exactly what I’ve been doing for the last six months using the Acorns app. Let’s dive into how investing $5 a day can add up over time and whether it’s worth considering for your own financial future.


What is Acorns?

First things first, let’s talk about Acorns for a second. If you haven’t heard of it, you might be wondering, “What the heck is Acorns, and why should I trust it with my hard-earned money?” Acorns is a micro-investing app that automatically invests small amounts of money for you, like your spare change or, in my case, $5 a day.


Think of it as a financial piggy bank—but instead of stashing away loose coins, Acorns puts your money into stocks, bonds, and even a little Bitcoin. No financial expertise required. It’s ideal for people who want their money to grow but don’t want to dive deep into the stock market pool. Just a simple, easy-to-use app and consistent deposits.


Why $5 a Day?

Now, let me explain why I chose $5 as my starting point. We’ve all spent $5 on something that we probably didn’t need—a fancy coffee, a snack, or a digital impulse purchase. Instead of mindlessly handing over that fiver, I decided to put it to work. $5 a day might not seem like much, but it’s the perfect amount to test if small, consistent investments can lead to big results. Over time, these little investments compound, and watching them grow is a lot more satisfying than any latte.


The Numbers: How Much Has $5 a Day Grown?

Now, let’s get into the good stuff—the numbers. Over the last 174 days, I’ve invested a total of $870 by putting in $5 every single day. And, as of today, that total has grown to $943. That's an 8.4% return in just under six months. Not too shabby for a daily coffee habit, right?

If we annualize that return, it would work out to nearly 17%—though let’s be real, stock markets don’t always behave predictably, so that’s not guaranteed. But, considering the market’s ups and downs, I’m pretty pleased with the results so far.


What’s in My Acorns Portfolio?

So, what exactly is this money invested in? Well, most of it is in stocks ($882), but I’ve also got a little fun mix of Bitcoin ETF ($61) because, why not throw in a little risk? Acorns gives you a clear breakdown of your investments, including how much each individual stock or ETF has earned, so you can easily track your progress.

Plus, you can choose your risk level—Acorns offers five different options ranging from conservative to aggressive. I chose the aggressive option, because I’m not here to play it safe. I want that slow, steady growth (with a bit of extra excitement).


The Subscription: Not So Scary

Here’s where Acorns might get you: it’s not free. But before you start imagining sneaky charges showing up on your bank statement, let me reassure you—it’s simple, straightforward, and affordable. I pay just $1 per month for the basic plan, which gives me everything I need to manage my $5-a-day investment strategy. If you want more advanced features, there are other options, but honestly, this works fine for me.


Acorns Earn: Cashback Magic

Here’s a bonus I didn’t expect: Acorns has an Earn feature that lets you earn cashback from certain stores. You know, those times when you’re shopping for something you actually need—well, Acorns gives you money back for those purchases. So far, I’ve earned nearly $6 in cashback with another $6 pending. That’s a sweet $12 for stuff I was going to buy anyway. Basically, Acorns is paying me for being a normal human being. Talk about passive income.


Long-Term Projections: From $5 a Day to $1.1 Million?

One of my favorite features in Acorns is the ability to project how your investments will grow over time. These little $5 daily investments might not seem like much, but according to Acorns’ future projections, in 15 years, my returns could be worth more than the actual money I invested. And get this—in 50 years, those $5 a day could be worth over $1.1 million. If that doesn’t get you excited about long-term investing, I don’t know what will.


The Verdict: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

So, what’s the verdict? After six months of investing $5 a day with Acorns, I’m up $73 (which is basically a small win in the world of investing). This isn’t some flashy, get-rich-quick scheme. It’s more like the financial equivalent of planting a tree and watching it grow slowly. The key here is consistency.


While I’m not about to retire tomorrow, these small, regular investments are growing into something real—and there’s no stress of checking stock tickers every five minutes like you’re in a Wall Street movie. It’s the tortoise approach to investing: steady, reliable, and low-maintenance.


Should You Give It a Try?

So, could you spare $5 a day to invest in your financial future? If you’ve ever thought about starting to invest but weren’t sure where to begin, Acorns might be the perfect place to start. It’s simple, low-risk, and gives you the chance to start small without having to become a financial expert.


If you want to follow my journey, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Should I do a follow-up after a year to see where this $5-a-day habit takes me? Let me know in the comments!

If you found this helpful (or at least mildly entertaining), don’t forget to like, subscribe, and keep an eye out for more tips on investing, side hustles, and a little bit of financial fun. Until next time, happy investing—and may your returns be as satisfying as finding unexpected cash in your coat pocket.


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Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Always consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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