🍺 VTSAX and Chill: A Simple Strategy for Investing Success

So you’ve heard about this investing thing…. Today, we’re diving into index fund investing with a broad market index called VTSAX. When you buy a piece of it, you're getting exposure to 3,656 companies with one buy. This is some basic stuff, but investing doesn’t have to be that hard. 

What are Index funds? We’ll save that chat for another time, but you can read more about them here.

Today's Report: VTSAX and Chill: A Simple Strategy for Investing Success by David Baughier

Read the original article here

Cold Poor:

VTSAX and Chill is a no-fuss investing strategy where you put most (or all) of your money into the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX) and let it ride for the long term. Here’s what you need to know:

• Diversification: VTSAX gives you exposure to the entire U.S. stock market, reducing the risk of betting on any single stock or sector.

• Solid Returns: Historically, VTSAX has averaged over 10% annual returns, making it one of the best long-term options.

• Low Fees & Taxes: With an expense ratio of just 0.04% and low turnover, it keeps more of your money working for you.

• Compounding Power: Reinvest your dividends and let time do the heavy lifting for your wealth growth.

The catch? It’s fully exposed to U.S. market ups and downs, lacks diversification into other assets like bonds or real estate, and you might miss out on higher returns from more specialized investments.

My Poor:

I’m not the biggest fan of VTSAX and chill, but honestly, I kinda wish I was. I’m all about handpicking my own diversified portfolio—mixing large, small, and mid-sized companies from both the U.S. and around the world. But if you're someone who’d rather “set it and forget it,” VTSAX isn’t a bad choice. Sure, you might not squeeze out every last penny in gains, but hey, you’ll free up a ton of time to do literally anything else besides obsessing over your portfolio. And let’s be real—autopilot life is pretty dope.

Another option worth checking out? Target retirement funds. Vanguard Target Retirement Funds | Vanguard These all-in-one wonders automatically adjust your risk profile as you inch closer to retirement, meaning they handle the rebalancing so you don’t have to. Will you hit the biggest returns? Probably not. But if you’d rather not spend your nights and weekends sorting this stuff out—or hiring someone to do it—this approach is pretty solid. The fee’s a little higher, but still low enough to keep you chillin’.

One last thing: If you're not totally sure what all this is but you've been contributing to your employer-sponsored retirement account, chances are you're already investing in something like these funds. Fingers crossed it hasn’t been sitting in a money market account for the last 10 years... seriously, I’m praying for you.

Thanks for Chillin! Send a cold one to a friend that needs it! 

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_{Disclaimer: The content provided in The Poor Boy Report (PBR) is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial advice or investment recommendations. All information presented is based on personal opinions and research and may not reflect the most current developments in personal finance.}

_{PBR is not a registered financial advisor, and no content in this newsletter constitutes or should be interpreted as, a specific offer or solicitation to buy or sell any financial products or investments. Always consult with a licensed financial advisor or other qualified professionals before making any financial decisions or taking action based on the information provided in this newsletter.}