Self-Directed results

You sound like a self-starter

Based on your responses, you show a strong alignment with setting clear and appropriate investment goals. Check out our resources below to get started.

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Types of investment accounts and plans

We offer more than retirement accounts. Explore the full range of solutions for your long- and short-term investment goals.

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Investment products: Mutual funds, ETFs and more

Choose from a wide range of investments for your brokerage account, such as mutual funds, ETFs, stocks and more—all for a low cost.

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Starting balance

Assumed rate of return

Years invested

Average investment firm -

*As of December 31, 2024, Vanguard's average mutual fund and ETF expense ratio is 0.07%. Industry average mutual fund and ETF expense ratio: 0.44%. All averages are asset-weighted. Industry averages exclude Vanguard. Sources: Vanguard and Morningstar, Inc., as of December 31, 2024. This is a hypothetical calculation that does not represent any particular investment and does not account for inflation. Results shown are not guaranteed. There may be other material differences between investment products that must be considered prior to investing.

Vanguard's 4 investing principles

Goals

Setting clear investment goals is key to turning your financial aspirations into reality. By defining what you're working toward, you can better align your savings and investment strategy to support it over time.

Balance

Keeping a balanced, diversified portfolio helps manage risk and smooth out market ups and downs. By spreading investments across asset types, sectors, and regions, you can reduce volatility and stay aligned with your comfort level.

Cost

While market returns can be unpredictable, one thing you can control is cost. Minimizing taxes and investment fees, like expense rations and transaction charges—helps preserve more of your returns over time.

Discipline

Staying disciplined is key to successful investing. Once you've set your goals and built a solid plan, sticking with it over time, especially throught market ups and downs—can make all the difference in reaching your objectives.

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Compare advice

Compare our advice services to see if advice is a good fit for you.

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Tools & calculators

Our investment tools & calculators can help your financial journey.

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Investor resources

View our investor resources to expand your investing knowledge.

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Download the Vanguard mobile app to track your investments wherever you are

A low annual account service fee of $25 is waived when you elect e-delivery of documents. You can sign up for e-delivery during and after the process of opening an account. There may be low fees for certain types of transactions. See the Vanguard Brokerage Services Commission and Fee Schedules for details and exclusions.

For more information about Vanguard mutual funds or ETFs, obtain a mutual fund or ETF 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.

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 money you invest. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss.