I am very new at investing. When there is talk on here of investing in Vanguard Index Funds (outside of a 401k) to have access to dividends before the age when you can start accessing the 401k, does it matter the method of investing? For example, instead of going through a financial advisor, can I do it myself through my TD Ameritrade account and just keep buying shares as I get more money to throw into it? I like being able to do things myself and not go through a company or financial advisor if possible!