Thanks for your reply, cynthia1848.
The other part of my retirement funds (the $225k) is in TIAA's Social Choice Account. Here is their description: "This variable annuity account seeks a favorable long-term rate of return that reflects the investment performance of the financial markets while giving special consideration to certain social criteria. The account is balanced, with assets divided between domestic and foreign stocks (about 60%) and bonds and other fixed- income securities, including money market instruments (about 40%). The domestic equity portion of the account attempts to track the return of the U.S. stock market, as measured by the Russell 3000 Index, while the foreign equity portion attempts to match the return of developed international markets, as measured by the MSCI EAFE + Canada Index. The fixed-income portion seeks a favorable long-term total return from investment-grade, fixed-rate securities. The account invests only in companies that are suitable from a financial perspective and whose activities are consistent with the account's social criteria.
Regarding the transaction fees, yes, good point, if I just buy once and hold, I won't be doing any transactions. I guess I wanted to avoid any initial transaction fees, if possible, when I change from cash to funds.
Here is one that might fit your suggestions: TRBIX. This is the TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund. Here is the description: "The fund seeks a favorable long-term total return, mainly through capital appreciation, by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity securities in smaller domestic companies based on a market index. It normally invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities within its benchmark index. The fund buys most, but not necessarily all, of the stocks in its benchmark, and will attempt to closely match the overall investment characteristics of this index."
What do you think? Thanks for your help. I am a total newby at this.