At first glance, investing may seem like a daunting and highly complex task. But it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, investors who focus on the basics and adopt a long-term perspective can do incredibly well.
Even better, you can use a seemingly small amount of money, say $1,000, in an effective way. The best option is vanguard 500 index fund (VFIAX -0.64%). Here's why it should be on your investment radar right now.
best option for most people
The Vanguard 500 Index Fund tracks the performance of 500 of America's largest and most profitable companies. This index includes the most influential technology and internet companies, including: microsoft and apple. However, the fund also owns shares in smaller businesses that are less obvious, including: borg warner and robert half. Investors gain access to a group of companies, essentially making it a long-term bet on the growth of the U.S. economy.
If history is any indication, this was a good bet. Over the past 30 years, his $1,000 investment in the Vanguard 500 Index fund would have now cost him $19,500, including: dividend. This corresponds to an average annual increase of 10.4%. Remember, this return came from doing absolutely nothing.
The Vanguard 500 Index Fund has $464 billion in total assets (as of March 13), so investors can take comfort in knowing that many others are saving in this investment vehicle, too. Vanguard has been around for almost 50 years and is one of the most highly regarded financial companies in the world. Having such peace of mind is very important.
One important factor to keep in mind is the pricing structure. The last thing you want to do is pay exorbitant fees that eat into your returns. The Vanguard 500 Index Fund has an expense ratio of just 0.04%, which means you can keep more of your profits over time.
If these attractive features aren't enough to convince you, consider the personal benefits you'll get. You don't have to spend hours poring over financial statements or listening to earnings calls to successfully pick a single winning stock. Investing in the Vanguard 500 Index Fund gives you free time to do whatever you want.
Things to remember
To ensure you build the right mental framework, it's important to keep a few key points in mind.
First of all, it is always wise to maintain a long-term perspective. This means a period of decades, not months or quarters. Even though the market is near all-time highs over his 20 or 30 years, the return is similar to the long-term average of about 10%. In other words, time on the market is the most important variable.
Investors need the patience to grow their capital. This is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Stick with the Vanguard 500 Index Fund because it's meant to be a safe, reliable, and proven way to create wealth.
Remember this next time you level up volatility. Understand that if the market takes a downturn, your best bet is to do nothing rather than rush for an exit. Stay focused on your end goal.
With $1,000, investors should look no further than the Vanguard 500 Index Fund. It will help put you on the path to financial freedom.
Neil Patel and his clients have no positions in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns positions in and recommends the Apple, Microsoft, and Vanguard S&P 500 ETFs. The Motley Fool recommends BorgWarner and Robert Half and recommends the following options: His January 2026 $395 long call on Microsoft and his January 2026 $405 short call on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
