My aunt Mildred, God bless her, keeps asking me about “those exchange-traded funds.” She pictures me in a darkened room, surrounded by glowing screens, shouting orders into a telephone. It’s… not quite that. It’s more like staring at a spreadsheet, questioning all my life choices, and occasionally hitting ‘buy’ when I’m supposed to be making a sandwich. She thinks I’m some kind of financial wizard. I mostly just avoid eye contact.
The idea, apparently, is diversification. Spreading your money around so when one thing collapses – and something always collapses – you’re not left eating ramen for the rest of your days. It’s a sensible idea, really. Though I suspect most people, myself included, are just delaying the inevitable. Vanguard, this company everyone keeps mentioning, is run by people who seem genuinely committed to… not fleecing you. Which, in this business, is a refreshing change. My broker, on the other hand, owns a yacht. I’m just saying.
I’ve been poking around these Vanguard ETFs, mostly because Mildred keeps asking if I’ve “found anything good.” Turns out, there are eleven that aren’t actively trying to bankrupt you. Whether you have a hundred dollars or a small fortune (which, let’s be honest, most of us don’t), they’re worth a look. I’m not saying they’ll make you rich, but they might prevent you from having to sell your grandmother’s china. A small victory, I suppose.
The Illusion of Growth
People talk about compound interest like it’s magic. And in a way, it is. But it requires decades. Decades. I tried explaining this to my nephew, Timmy, who’s convinced he’ll be a millionaire by 25. He looked at me like I’d suggested he take up taxidermy. I showed him a chart, a rather optimistic one, detailing how $6,000 a year could turn into a substantial sum over time. He was more interested in the new video game. I don’t blame him. Numbers are depressing.
| Growing at 8% for | $6,000 invested annually | $12,000 invested annually |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | $35,192 | $70,399 |
| 10 years | $86,919 | $173,839 |
| 15 years | $162,913 | $325,825 |
| 20 years | $274,572 | $549,144 |
| 25 years | $438,636 | $877,271 |
| 30 years | $679,699 | $1,359,399 |
| 35 years | $1,033,901 | $2,067,802 |
| 40 years | $1,554,339 | $3,108,678 |
See? A lot of money. Eventually. Assuming the world doesn’t end first. I’m not saying it will, but I’ve started stockpiling canned goods, just in case.
Here are those ETFs. I’ve tried to keep the explanations concise. Mostly because I got bored. And mildly anxious.
| Exchange-Traded Fund | Recent Dividend Yield | 5-Year Avg. Annual Return | 10-Year Avg. Annual Return | 15-Year Avg. Annual Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO 0.08%) | 1.13% | 14.55% | 15.61% | 14% |
| Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) | 1.12% | 13.12% | 15.16% | 13.54% |
| Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) | 1.83% | 11.10% | 12.78% | 9.99% |
| Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) | 3.86% | (0.17%) | 1.95% | 2.39% |
| Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) | 1.62% | 11.69% | 13.85% | 12.36% |
| Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF (VYM) | 2.44% | 12.48% | 12.16% | 12.02% |
| Vanguard International High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF (VYMI) | 3.69% | 12.49% | N/A | N/A |
| Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) | 3.92% | 5.59% | 5.58% | 7.42% |
| Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) | 2.05% | 12.56% | 12.62% | 11.73% |
| Vanguard S&P 500 Growth Index Fund ETF (VOOG) | 0.49% | 15.33% | 17.59% | 15.83% |
| Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) | 0.40% | 17.49% | 23.47% | 19.16% |
I’m not going to pretend I understand all of this. I just buy what seems… less terrible. And hope for the best.
Give them a look. Or don’t. Honestly, it probably won’t make much difference. But at least you’ll have something to tell your aunt Mildred.
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2026-01-17 07:03