📈 The Beginner ETF Starter Sheet
Free Reference Card — UpFromZeroHQ.com
Section 1: The 3 ETFs Most Beginners Should Know
VTI
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Covers the entire U.S. stock market — over 3,500 companies. Small, mid, and large cap all in one fund. This is the foundation of most beginner portfolios.
VXUS
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Exposure to stocks outside the U.S. — Europe, Asia, emerging markets. Adds global diversification to a VTI-only portfolio.
BND
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
U.S. bonds — government and corporate. Lower risk and lower return than stocks. Used to smooth out portfolio volatility, especially closer to retirement.
Section 2: The Simple Portfolio Formulas
Under 40 / Keep it simple: 100% VTI — One fund, total market exposure, let it ride.
Want international diversification: 80% VTI + 20% VXUS — U.S.-heavy but globally diversified.
Classic 3-fund portfolio: 60% VTI + 30% VXUS + 10% BND — The Bogleheads standard. Balanced growth with some stability.
Adjust bond % higher as you get closer to retirement. A common rule: your age = your bond percentage.
Section 3: The 5 Rules Every Beginner Must Follow
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1Don’t panic sell — Market dips are normal. Selling locks in your loss. Stay invested and keep buying.
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2Automate your contributions — Set up automatic monthly buys. Remove emotion from the equation.
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3Don’t check your balance daily — Watching it every day makes you anxious and more likely to make bad decisions. Monthly or quarterly is enough.
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4Reinvest your dividends — Turn on dividend reinvestment (DRIP). That’s compounding in action.
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5Keep expense ratios under 0.20% — VTI, VXUS, and BND are all under 0.10%. Low fees = more money staying in your pocket.
⚠️ This is education, not personalized investment advice. Your situation is unique. Consider consulting a fee-only financial advisor before investing.