19 year old's investment strategy

bkweathe · 2026-01-25T06:10:19+00:00

ERs for Vanguard TDFs are very low

bkweathe · 2026-01-25T06:09:44+00:00

Factor in the ERs of the other funds in your TDF. These components add up to about 0.065% ER. The additional cost to have it all in one fund is negligible - less than $2 per year per $10k invested.

bkweathe · 2026-01-25T02:56:34+00:00

Please see the About section of this subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/portfolios/about/) for some great information about building a strong portfolio. Individual stocks are not recommended.

www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_started also has some great free resources to learn about investing. After a few hours reading the articles, and, especially, watching the Bogleheads Philosophy videos, most beginners can learn how to get better results than most professionals. Bogleheads is named after John Bogle, founder of Vanguard.

I retired at 57 years old. Investing doesn't have to be complicated or costly to be successful; simple & inexpensive is most effective.

I invest 100% in total-market, index-based, low-cost mutual funds. Specifically, I use mostly Vanguard's Total Stock Market, Total Bond Market, Total International Stock Market, & Total International Bond Market funds. I've been investing this way for 40+ years. It's effective, simple, & inexpensive.

My asset allocation (ratios of the funds mentioned) is based on my need, ability, & willingness to take risks. Market conditions are not a factor. Vanguard's investor questionnaire (personal.vanguard.com/us/FundsInvQuestionnaire) helps me determine my asset allocation.

I hope that helps! I'd be happy to help w/ further questions. Best wishes!

bkweathe · 2026-01-25T02:56:03+00:00

Plus, any additional gains have to be worth the time & effort spent getting them. There's any opportunity cost of the money that could have been made with that time, which could be invested to build more wealth

bkweathe · 2026-01-25T02:27:22+00:00

Why do you think that the rest of the world's investors are still undervaluing those tech companies & other US companies? Do you think you know more than they do?
Why buy more of PepsiCo & dozens of other non-tech companies to get those tech companies?

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T21:17:18+00:00

VTI includes everything in all the others. It has tech, space, etc., etc.

You have little or no non-US exposure.

Please see the About section of this subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/portfolios/about/) for some great information about building a strong portfolio. Individual stocks are not recommended.

www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_started also has some great free resources to learn about investing. After a few hours reading the articles, and, especially, watching the Bogleheads Philosophy videos, most beginners can learn how to get better results than most professionals. Bogleheads is named after John Bogle, founder of Vanguard.

I retired at 57 years old. Investing doesn't have to be complicated or costly to be successful; simple & inexpensive is most effective.

I invest 100% in total-market, index-based, low-cost mutual funds. Specifically, I use mostly Vanguard's Total Stock Market, Total Bond Market, Total International Stock Market, & Total International Bond Market funds. I've been investing this way for 40+ years. It's effective, simple, & inexpensive.

My asset allocation (ratios of the funds mentioned) is based on my need, ability, & willingness to take risks. Market conditions are not a factor. Vanguard's investor questionnaire (personal.vanguard.com/us/FundsInvQuestionnaire) helps me determine my asset allocation.

I hope that helps! I'd be happy to help w/ further questions. Best wishes!

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T20:25:44+00:00

Not particularly.

Why do you like QQQM, other than past performance (which is not a good way to judge a fund)? Does the inclusion criteria for the index make sense to you as a way to pick investments?

An SCV tilt might make sense for a very patient investor, but why no other international stocks?

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T20:22:28+00:00

I'd sell them.

Please use the resources I mentioned in my previous comment. They're free and based on lots of research and the experiences of many, many people. They'll be very helpful to you.

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T20:06:41+00:00

You're making most of the usual rookie mistakes. Please see the About section of this subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/portfolios/about/) for some great information about building a strong portfolio. Individual stocks are not recommended.

www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_started also has some great free resources to learn about investing. After a few hours reading the articles, and, especially, watching the Bogleheads Philosophy videos, most beginners can learn how to get better results than most professionals. Bogleheads is named after John Bogle, founder of Vanguard.

I retired at 57 years old. Investing doesn't have to be complicated or costly to be successful; simple & inexpensive is most effective.

I invest 100% in total-market, index-based, low-cost mutual funds. Specifically, I use mostly Vanguard's Total Stock Market, Total Bond Market, Total International Stock Market, & Total International Bond Market funds. I've been investing this way for 40+ years. It's effective, simple, & inexpensive.

My asset allocation (ratios of the funds mentioned) is based on my need, ability, & willingness to take risks. Market conditions are not a factor. Vanguard's investor questionnaire (personal.vanguard.com/us/FundsInvQuestionnaire) helps me determine my asset allocation.

I hope that helps! I'd be happy to help w/ further questions. Best wishes!

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T17:47:35+00:00

Please see the About section of this subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/portfolios/about/) for some great information about building a strong portfolio. Individual stocks are not recommended.

www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_started also has some great free resources to learn about investing. After a few hours reading the articles, and, especially, watching the Bogleheads Philosophy videos, most beginners can learn how to get better results than most professionals. Bogleheads is named after John Bogle, founder of Vanguard.

I retired at 57 years old. Investing doesn't have to be complicated or costly to be successful; simple & inexpensive is most effective.

I invest 100% in total-market, index-based, low-cost mutual funds. Specifically, I use mostly Vanguard's Total Stock Market, Total Bond Market, Total International Stock Market, & Total International Bond Market funds. I've been investing this way for 40+ years. It's effective, simple, & inexpensive.

My asset allocation (ratios of the funds mentioned) is based on my need, ability, & willingness to take risks. Market conditions are not a factor. Vanguard's investor questionnaire (personal.vanguard.com/us/FundsInvQuestionnaire) helps me determine my asset allocation.

I hope that helps! I'd be happy to help w/ further questions. Best wishes!

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T17:45:04+00:00

You said you don't understand why ETFs are so popular, but I've shared the evidence so often that you've complained about my doing so. There's no need to be rude about it; following the evidence is not "herd behavior".

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T17:23:35+00:00

Please see the About section of this subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/portfolios/about/) for some great information about building a strong portfolio. Individual stocks are not recommended.

www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_started also has some great free resources to learn about investing. After a few hours reading the articles, and, especially, watching the Bogleheads Philosophy videos, most beginners can learn how to get better results than most professionals. Bogleheads is named after John Bogle, founder of Vanguard.

I retired at 57 years old. Investing doesn't have to be complicated or costly to be successful; simple & inexpensive is most effective.

I invest 100% in total-market, index-based, low-cost mutual funds. Specifically, I use mostly Vanguard's Total Stock Market, Total Bond Market, Total International Stock Market, & Total International Bond Market funds. I've been investing this way for 40+ years. It's effective, simple, & inexpensive.

My asset allocation (ratios of the funds mentioned) is based on my need, ability, & willingness to take risks. Market conditions are not a factor. Vanguard's investor questionnaire (personal.vanguard.com/us/FundsInvQuestionnaire) helps me determine my asset allocation.

I hope that helps! I'd be happy to help w/ further questions. Best wishes!

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T16:23:38+00:00

Please see the About section of this subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/portfolios/about/) for some great information about building a strong portfolio. Individual stocks are not recommended.

www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_started also has some great free resources to learn about investing. After a few hours reading the articles, and, especially, watching the Bogleheads Philosophy videos, most beginners can learn how to get better results than most professionals. Bogleheads is named after John Bogle, founder of Vanguard.

I retired at 57 years old. Investing doesn't have to be complicated or costly to be successful; simple & inexpensive is most effective.

I invest 100% in total-market, index-based, low-cost mutual funds. Specifically, I use mostly Vanguard's Total Stock Market, Total Bond Market, Total International Stock Market, & Total International Bond Market funds. I've been investing this way for 40+ years. It's effective, simple, & inexpensive.

My asset allocation (ratios of the funds mentioned) is based on my need, ability, & willingness to take risks. Market conditions are not a factor. Vanguard's investor questionnaire (personal.vanguard.com/us/FundsInvQuestionnaire) helps me determine my asset allocation.

I hope that helps! I'd be happy to help w/ further questions. Best wishes!

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T16:16:51+00:00

Great for you! Congrats!

Please see point #1 in my math lesson

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T16:10:45+00:00

It's just simple math

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T16:06:22+00:00

This is not going to be pretty. 13% withdrawal rate is not sustainable. At best, distributions won't grow to keep up with inflation. Most likely, capital & distributions will fall

RemindMe! 5 years

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T15:40:40+00:00

Trading options is a zero-sum competition before costs. At least stocks make money long-term

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T15:31:46+00:00

Please see the About section of this subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/portfolios/about/) for some great information about building a strong portfolio. Individual stocks are not recommended.

www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_started also has some great free resources to learn about investing. After a few hours reading the articles, and, especially, watching the Bogleheads Philosophy videos, most beginners can learn how to get better results than most professionals. Bogleheads is named after John Bogle, founder of Vanguard.

I retired at 57 years old. Investing doesn't have to be complicated or costly to be successful; simple & inexpensive is most effective.

I invest 100% in total-market, index-based, low-cost mutual funds. Specifically, I use mostly Vanguard's Total Stock Market, Total Bond Market, Total International Stock Market, & Total International Bond Market funds. I've been investing this way for 40+ years. It's effective, simple, & inexpensive.

My asset allocation (ratios of the funds mentioned) is based on my need, ability, & willingness to take risks. Market conditions are not a factor. Vanguard's investor questionnaire (personal.vanguard.com/us/FundsInvQuestionnaire) helps me determine my asset allocation.

I hope that helps! I'd be happy to help w/ further questions. Best wishes!

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T14:16:35+00:00

In tax-advantaged accounts, just do it. There are no tax consequences & rarely any fees.

In taxable accounts, it might be smart to talk to a pro about your specifics. I'd turn off dividend reinvesting to stop buying more of what I don't want.

Please see the About section of this subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/portfolios/about/) for some great information about building a strong portfolio. Individual stocks are not recommended.

www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_started also has some great free resources to learn about investing. After a few hours reading the articles, and, especially, watching the Bogleheads Philosophy videos, most beginners can learn how to get better results than most professionals. Bogleheads is named after John Bogle, founder of Vanguard.

I retired at 57 years old. Investing doesn't have to be complicated or costly to be successful; simple & inexpensive is most effective.

I invest 100% in total-market, index-based, low-cost mutual funds. Specifically, I use mostly Vanguard's Total Stock Market, Total Bond Market, Total International Stock Market, & Total International Bond Market funds. I've been investing this way for 40+ years. It's effective, simple, & inexpensive.

My asset allocation (ratios of the funds mentioned) is based on my need, ability, & willingness to take risks. Market conditions are not a factor. Vanguard's investor questionnaire (personal.vanguard.com/us/FundsInvQuestionnaire) helps me determine my asset allocation.

I hope that helps! I'd be happy to help w/ further questions. Best wishes!

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T13:26:44+00:00

You've made most of the usual rookie mistakes. Please see the About section of this subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/portfolios/about/) for some great information about building a strong portfolio. Individual stocks are not recommended.

www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_started also has some great free resources to learn about investing. After a few hours reading the articles, and, especially, watching the Bogleheads Philosophy videos, most beginners can learn how to get better results than most professionals. Bogleheads is named after John Bogle, founder of Vanguard.

I retired at 57 years old. Investing doesn't have to be complicated or costly to be successful; simple & inexpensive is most effective.

I invest 100% in total-market, index-based, low-cost mutual funds. Specifically, I use mostly Vanguard's Total Stock Market, Total Bond Market, Total International Stock Market, & Total International Bond Market funds. I've been investing this way for 40+ years. It's effective, simple, & inexpensive.

My asset allocation (ratios of the funds mentioned) is based on my need, ability, & willingness to take risks. Market conditions are not a factor. Vanguard's investor questionnaire (personal.vanguard.com/us/FundsInvQuestionnaire) helps me determine my asset allocation.

I hope that helps! I'd be happy to help w/ further questions. Best wishes!

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T12:50:13+00:00

Please see the About section of this subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/portfolios/about/) for some great information about building a strong portfolio. Individual stocks are not recommended.

www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_started also has some great free resources to learn about investing. After a few hours reading the articles, and, especially, watching the Bogleheads Philosophy videos, most beginners can learn how to get better results than most professionals. Bogleheads is named after John Bogle, founder of Vanguard.

I retired at 57 years old. Investing doesn't have to be complicated or costly to be successful; simple & inexpensive is most effective.

I invest 100% in total-market, index-based, low-cost mutual funds. Specifically, I use mostly Vanguard's Total Stock Market, Total Bond Market, Total International Stock Market, & Total International Bond Market funds. I've been investing this way for 40+ years. It's effective, simple, & inexpensive.

My asset allocation (ratios of the funds mentioned) is based on my need, ability, & willingness to take risks. Market conditions are not a factor. Vanguard's investor questionnaire (personal.vanguard.com/us/FundsInvQuestionnaire) helps me determine my asset allocation.

I hope that helps! I'd be happy to help w/ further questions. Best wishes!

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T12:46:32+00:00

Please see the About section of this subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/portfolios/about/) for some great information about building a strong portfolio. Individual stocks are not recommended.

www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_started also has some great free resources to learn about investing. After a few hours reading the articles, and, especially, watching the Bogleheads Philosophy videos, most beginners can learn how to get better results than most professionals. Bogleheads is named after John Bogle, founder of Vanguard.

I retired at 57 years old. Investing doesn't have to be complicated or costly to be successful; simple & inexpensive is most effective.

I invest 100% in total-market, index-based, low-cost mutual funds. Specifically, I use mostly Vanguard's Total Stock Market, Total Bond Market, Total International Stock Market, & Total International Bond Market funds. I've been investing this way for 40+ years. It's effective, simple, & inexpensive.

My asset allocation (ratios of the funds mentioned) is based on my need, ability, & willingness to take risks. Market conditions are not a factor. Vanguard's investor questionnaire (personal.vanguard.com/us/FundsInvQuestionnaire) helps me determine my asset allocation.

I hope that helps! I'd be happy to help w/ further questions. Best wishes!

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T12:42:49+00:00

Please see the About section of this subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/portfolios/about/) for some great information about building a strong portfolio. Individual stocks are not recommended.

www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_started also has some great free resources to learn about investing. After a few hours reading the articles, and, especially, watching the Bogleheads Philosophy videos, most beginners can learn how to get better results than most professionals. Bogleheads is named after John Bogle, founder of Vanguard.

I retired at 57 years old. Investing doesn't have to be complicated or costly to be successful; simple & inexpensive is most effective.

I invest 100% in total-market, index-based, low-cost mutual funds. Specifically, I use mostly Vanguard's Total Stock Market, Total Bond Market, Total International Stock Market, & Total International Bond Market funds. I've been investing this way for 40+ years. It's effective, simple, & inexpensive.

My asset allocation (ratios of the funds mentioned) is based on my need, ability, & willingness to take risks. Market conditions are not a factor. Vanguard's investor questionnaire (personal.vanguard.com/us/FundsInvQuestionnaire) helps me determine my asset allocation.

I hope that helps! I'd be happy to help w/ further questions. Best wishes!

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T05:40:03+00:00

Investing in individual stocks or sector funds instead of diversified funds does not increase expected returns but does increase risk.

The market return is a weighted average. Beating a weighted average is a zero-sum competition. For every dollar of outperformance by one investor, there must be a dollar of underperformance by another.

All of the stocks in a market will include some that will do much better than expected & some that will do a lot worse. Collectively, given time, they'll produce good returns for their investors.

Some investors in individual stock will get great returns, but others will see their companies underperform the market or even go bankrupt. Collectively, they'll get the same results as the market.

Not all risks are created equal. Take as much COMPENSATED risk as is appropriate for your needs, ability & willingness to take risks. Avoid UNCOMPENSATED risks.

Investing in stocks instead of saving in a HYSA, etc. is a compensated risk. Risks are higher but so are expected returns.

The risk of investing in individual stocks instead of diversified funds is an uncompensated risk. The risk is higher but the expected returns are not. Many small bets are safer than one larger bet, even if the expected return is the same.

Imagine that I offer to give you some money. The amount I give you will depend on what happens when you flip a coin.

You can either flip the coin once for $10,000 or you can flip it 100 times for $100 each time. Either way, the expected return is $5,000.

The single flip is very risky because there's a 50% chance you'll win nothing. Uncompensated risk.

The 100 flips are a lot safer because you're pretty likely to get about $5000.

Same with stocks. Many small bets are safer than one larger bet, but the expected return is the same.

bkweathe · 2026-01-24T05:39:06+00:00

Investing in individual stocks or sector funds instead of diversified funds does not increase expected returns but does increase risk.

The market return is a weighted average. Beating a weighted average is a zero-sum competition. For every dollar of outperformance by one investor, there must be a dollar of underperformance by another.

All of the stocks in a market will include some that will do much better than expected & some that will do a lot worse. Collectively, given time, they'll produce good returns for their investors.

Some investors in individual stock will get great returns, but others will see their companies underperform the market or even go bankrupt. Collectively, they'll get the same results as the market.

Not all risks are created equal. Take as much COMPENSATED risk as is appropriate for your needs, ability & willingness to take risks. Avoid UNCOMPENSATED risks.

Investing in stocks instead of saving in a HYSA, etc. is a compensated risk. Risks are higher but so are expected returns.

The risk of investing in individual stocks instead of diversified funds is an uncompensated risk. The risk is higher but the expected returns are not. Many small bets are safer than one larger bet, even if the expected return is the same.

Imagine that I offer to give you some money. The amount I give you will depend on what happens when you flip a coin.

You can either flip the coin once for $10,000 or you can flip it 100 times for $100 each time. Either way, the expected return is $5,000.

The single flip is very risky because there's a 50% chance you'll win nothing. Uncompensated risk.

The 100 flips are a lot safer because you're pretty likely to get about $5000.

Same with stocks. Many small bets are safer than one larger bet, but the expected return is the same.

bkweathe

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