need $3,000 to start. Next best and almost as good is the
Schwab 500 index fund (SWPPX) at a low entry cost.
Depending on what type of account you open the entry cost
is between $25 to $1000.
Almost everyone has them - Vanguard, Fidelity, TR Price, etc. Vanguard has the lowest expenses. But also a minimum of $3,000. Index funds are normally no-load.