Author Topic: Investing in VTI  (Read 3772 times)

Chris04626

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Investing in VTI
« on: February 13, 2014, 09:21:54 AM »
I am new to all this as i just opened a roth ira after some urging by friends. As i have no benefits or retirement fund through work.

I am 32 years old with wife and 3 kids. I Earn $600 after taxes weekly.      I have been told VTI is a great option to invest is over the long term.      I opened my roth ira with just $200 and bought 2 shares of VTI.             I will be adding more to my Roth each month.

Thoughts? Would you go with VTI? Should i keep buying shares of that, or should i add some of other things as well?

Jags4186

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Re: Investing in VTI
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2014, 09:54:00 AM »
As long as it's commission free go for it.  Don't buy 2 or 3 shares at a time for $7-$10 though.

Also I would say you should have all your other bases covered first. If you have any debts or you have very little cash on hand I wouldn't recommend starting to invest just yet. I would throw money in your Roth IRA and leave it as cash and then when you have some sort of significant amount (to you) you can start to invest a portion of it. If you already have 5k sitting on the side and no debts, then dig straight in.
« Last Edit: February 13, 2014, 09:56:30 AM by Jags4186 »

markstache

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Re: Investing in VTI
« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2014, 10:03:41 AM »
Good point about the commissions. If you are going to buy Vanguard products (and I think you should), you can run your Roth through Vanguard. This will certainly avoid any commission costs. Disclosure: I'm a part owner of Vanguard (as is everyone who owns Vanguard funds. I just love saying that. :-)

VTI is a great place to start and is the corner stone of many excellent portfolios. The next step is education. I recommend starting here:

http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_Started

As you start to learn about asset classes, risk, and constructing portfolios, you will probably want to add some bonds and perhaps some international funds. Google "JL Collins" for more on these topics. He has an absolutely great series of posts.

One final thought: given back of envelope calculations on your income, you should plan to get the saver's tax credit in 2014. It is capped per-person, so you should also open up a Roth for your wife. She can contribute under the "spousal" provision. If you split your contributions over both people, you'll get some tax advantage.

Good luck!

Chris04626

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Re: Investing in VTI
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2014, 11:53:19 AM »
Thanks all. I opened my Roth through Ameritrade and the VTI is commission free.