Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)

The most important takeaway is that investors need to put money to work early and let compounding do the trick.

Stocks have a strong history of outperformance following midterm elections.

Performance in the last decade is well above the benchmark's historical average.

A government-backed 5.2% is the stiffest competition an index fund has faced in 19 years. Does the bond win?

Value investors might lean toward the apparel stock, but that's a risky proposition.

The average investor out there can learn so much from the Oracle of Omaha, even though his role has changed.

A little over half of Americans own stock, which means that too many people are missing out on the wealth-building power of capitalism.

Limiting downside can be as important as maximizing upside.

The market, its dividend payers, and its largest growth stocks -- for about $3 a year in combined fees.

The S&P 500 has seen positive returns in the 12 months after midterm elections 95% of the time since 1938.

Politics usually doesn't affect the stock market -- unless this one thing happens.

Both of these funds have been winners in recent years.

A few simple good behaviors can put you on the path to long-term wealth.

These fast-growing ETFs will likely be trading at attractive valuations after a market pullback.

There's one key advantage that separates these two ETF industry heavyweights.

Pulling your money out of the market during a rough patch is the surest way to miss out on the biggest gains.

Long-term investors shouldn't fear a bear market.

If I started my first brokerage account, this would be the backbone of my new portfolio.

Look to sectors that actually benefit from higher interest rates.

The S&P 500's current concentration has its benefits and risks.

Vanguard's S&P 500 ETF is still my top recommendation for passive investors.

The S&P 500 has been perhaps the greatest wealth generation machine of the past several decades.

The stock market may be running hot this year, but that doesn't mean all is well.

There's still a place for index funds in your portfolio, but if you're just looking to learn with small starting positions, there are some smart all-weather stocks to consider as well.

The percentage of Americans who own stock has nearly doubled since the 1980s.