Investing in Mutal Funds

[zoltani]

Currently I have most of my portfolio in individual DGI stocks, and would like to put some money away in mutal funds to be used in 3 years or so.  I've seen VFIIX mentioned on this forum as a good candidate for this kind of timeline, but sharebuilder charges me a commission of 19.95!  They offer commission free trades on American Century, Dreyfus, ING Funds, and PIMCO funds. 

Is there something similar to VFIIX that is offered by one of the commission free companies?

Should I just open a vanguard account?  I was trying to avoid having TOO many different accounts.

[Mr Mark]

Personally, I love Vanguard.

[judgemebymyusername]

Just open a Vanguard account. Not worth it trying to worry about all the fees and commission charges. Vanguard is simply the best.

Use mint.com to help you keep track of your accounts.

[Mr Mark]

A lot of people don't understand the big difference in long-term returns between funds with say, fees of 0.3% vs 1.5%. It doesn't sound like much right?

On 100k, over 10 years @7%, you get $24k less 'stash with those higher fees. After 20 years, the difference is 82k! [390k vs 308k]

That's why they'll pay agents cash up front to send them business.

I think you'll find a LOT of fans of Vanguard on ER investing.

[zoltani]

OK, I will just get over my aversion to having too many accounts and look into opening a vanguard account.

Thanks

[orangeclocker]

The three fund portfolio based on Vanguard index funds: http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=88005

[Tyler]

Just think of having multiple accounts as another form of diversification.  It's good to not have all your eggs in one basket.