The easiest way to build wealth. Set it and forget it.
Index funds and ETFs pool money from many investors to buy a basket of securities that track a market index (like the S&P 500). They offer instant diversification, low fees, and passive management.
Best for: Beginners, passive investors, retirement planning, long-term wealth building.
| ETF | Tracks | Expense Ratio | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| VOO / IVV / SPY | S&P 500 | 0.03% | Core US exposure |
| VTI | Total US Market | 0.03% | Broad US diversification |
| VXUS | International Stocks | 0.07% | Global diversification |
| BND | Total Bond Market | 0.03% | Fixed income |
| VT | Total World Stock | 0.07% | All-in-one global |
| VWO | Emerging Markets | 0.08% | High growth potential |
Expense ratios as low as 0.03%. Compare to active funds at 1%+.
One fund = 500+ stocks. Reduces company-specific risk.
80% of active funds underperform their benchmark over 10 years.
No need to pick stocks. Automatic rebalancing.
| Platform | Min Deposit | Best For | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanguard | $0 | Long-term investors | Lowest fees, pioneer of index funds |
| Fidelity | $0 | All-around | Great research tools, no-fee ETFs |
| Charles Schwab | $0 | Budget-conscious | No transaction fees, great service |
Risk: Low-Medium
Open an account with $0 minimum. Automate monthly contributions.
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