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Types of accounts and plans

Trade mutual funds, ETFs, stocks, and more—all for a low cost in our brokerage accounts

Understand investment goals

How are accounts and investment products different?

Think of your account as an empty garage. You can fill it with trucks, cars, bicycles, or other vehicles you like. In the same way, you can fill your account with investment products such as mutual funds, ETFs (exchange-traded funds), stocks, bonds, and more. The first step is understanding what kind of account you need. Check out your options below.

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An IRA makes saving for the future less taxing

Both traditional and Roth IRAs give you an easy way to save for retirement, offering different tax breaks.

Learn about IRAs

Learn more about accounts that fit your goal

Retirement

The government offers tax advantages for the following account types (in addition to company-sponsored plans).

Education

Saving for college can reduce the burden of student debt—whether you're saving for yourself, your child, your grandchild, or someone else.

Personal goals

Maybe you're saving for multiple general investing goals—like a house, a car, or a dream vacation. See how you can save for them all.

Emergencies

We recommend keeping 3–6 months of living expenses in an easily accessible account.

Not sure which account is right for you? Use our tool to identify the account that best fits your investing needs.

Find your account today

Adding a new account? Log in to get started.

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Rollover or transfer

What's the difference between accounts and investments?

Play our video to better understand how accounts and investments differ.

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[MUSIC PLAYING]

Let's talk gardens. OK. Let's actually talk financial accounts versus products. They're two different things, but just like soil and seedlings, they come together to form something great—your investment portfolio. First up is your soil—your account. There are many different account types out there and you're not limited to choosing just one.

You might have several different accounts working toward different goals. General investing accounts can be good for short term goals and IRAs can be great if you're saving for retirement. Choosing the right accounts will set you up for success on your financial journey. Then it's time to get growing. That's where products come in.

Think of your products as seedlings. And just like your base, they're all about your personal preferences. You can choose from ETFs, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and more. The products live inside your accounts. And just like that, you've created a personalized plan that can help you reach your financial goals. All that's left to do now is watch them grow and blossom.

[Disclosures appear onscreen. They read: “Vanguard. All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. There is no guarantee that any particular asset allocation or mix of funds will meet your investment objective or provide you with a given level of income. For more information about Vanguard funds and ETFs, visit Vanguard mutual fund prospectuses or Vanguard ETF prospectuses to obtain a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are contained in the prospectus; read and consider it carefully before investing. ©2022 The Vanguard Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.”
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You'll never pay hidden fees at Vanguard

Low fees mean you can get more back from your investments. That's why we think it's important to be transparent and share which ones you can avoid here at Vanguard.

View account fees
Your business model is a great one. It's given us a lot of confidence and financial success, and we love talking about it with friends and family.
Chuck and Pat P., Vanguard clients
Your business model is a great one. It's given us a lot of confidence and financial success, and we love talking about it with friends and family.”

The experiences of these Vanguard clients may not be representative of the experience of other Vanguard clients and are not a guarantee of future investment performance or success.

Helpful resources

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How to invest on your own

Get key information on how you can start a successful DIY investing journey.

 

How to invest on your own

Get key information on how you can start a successful DIY investing journey.

 

 View DIY resources
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Investment products

Choose from a wide range of investments for your brokerage accounts, such as mutual funds, ETFs, stocks, and more.

Investment products

Choose from a wide range of investments for your brokerage accounts, such as mutual funds, ETFs, stocks, and more.

 View products
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Get the advice you need

Use our robo-advisor or work with a financial advisor for ongoing portfolio guidance and access to exclusive tools.

Get the advice you need

Use our robo-advisor or work with a financial advisor for ongoing portfolio guidance and access to exclusive tools.

 Compare advice services

What our experts have to say

Stay on top of everything from market updates to smart tax strategies. Read our blog posts and news articles, or watch videos from our experts.

View market articles

Get perspective on the markets

Market volatility is a part of investing. But with the right investing strategy, you can ride out ups and downs with less stress.

Learn about volatility

Start investing today.

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Frequently asked questions

It depends on your goal. Each account type aligns with a different savings objective. If you know your goal and don't know which account to open, try our quick-start tool to see which account fits your needs.

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For more information about Vanguard funds or ETFs, visit vanguard.com to obtain a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information about a fund are contained in the prospectus; read and consider it carefully before investing.

You must buy and sell Vanguard ETF Shares through Vanguard Brokerage Services (we offer them commission-free online) or through another broker (who may charge commissions). See the Vanguard Brokerage Services Commission and Fee Schedules for limits. Vanguard ETF Shares are not redeemable directly with the issuing Fund other than in very large aggregations worth millions of dollars. ETFs are subject to market volatility. When buying or selling an ETF, you will pay or receive the current market price, which may be more or less than net asset value.

All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest.

Vanguard's advice services are provided by Vanguard Advisers, Inc. ("VAI"), a registered investment advisor, or by Vanguard National Trust Company ("VNTC"), a federally chartered, limited-purpose trust company.

The services provided to clients will vary based upon the service selected, including management, fees, eligibility, and access to an advisor. Find VAI's Form CRS and each program's advisory brochure here for an overview.

VAI and VNTC are subsidiaries of The Vanguard Group, Inc., and affiliates of Vanguard Marketing Corporation. Neither VAI, VNTC, nor its affiliates guarantee profits or protection from losses.