Jack Bogle on Index Funds, Vanguard, and Investing Advice

Jack Bogle transformed the investment management industry. Over a career lasting nearly half a century, Bogle was a crusader for individual investors, working to bring the interests of asset managers in line with those of their investment clients.

In 1975, Bogle founded the Vanguard Group, structuring the business as a mutual company, meaning that Vanguard is owned by the funds it manages and, as a result, the funds' investors. A year later, Bogle and Vanguard introduced the first ever index mutual fund available to the general public, aiming to track the performance of the broader market while charging the lowest fees possible. At first, many in the investment industry snickered at Vanguard's new index funds, but over time Bogle's idea took hold. While maintaining some of the lowest fees in the business, Vanguard has grown its assets under management from $1.8 billion at its founding to $5.3 trillion as of September 30, 2018, making Vanguard the second largest asset manager in the world.

Despite Vanguard's incredible success, Bogle didn't become fantastically rich. Instead, Jack passed on as much savings as possible to Vanguard investors, bringing fees for his funds to razor-thin levels (and dragging the rest of the fund market with him). As a result, Bogle helped all investors get better returns on their retirement savings, drastically reducing underperformance caused by high management fees. As Bogle said in 2012, "My ideas are very simple. In investing, you get what you don't pay for."

All investors are indebted to Jack Bogle for his efforts over 40+ years to make the investment industry better serve the interests of individuals. As we remember Bogle's life and his contributions, we hope you'll enjoy this conversation between Bogle and Motley Fool Motley Fool CEO Tom Gardner recorded in 2016.

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[DonaldMark-nese]

The only American who won't acknowledge this Administration's failed economic policies is Joe Biden. "Shrink-flation' is the least of our worries compared to rising rents and stagnant wages, but it is an undeniable indicator of how bad our inflation has gotten. I have $100k that i like to invest in a non-retirement account, any advice on that?

[jameswood]

I started my 250k portfolio last year with SCHD, VOO, and VUG after watching one of your videos. In terms of share price, VOO is way up (22.25%) and VUG is up (39.62%). Thanks for the education! Will this provide solid cashflow?

[HugoBergmann-lund]

I appreciate your commitment to educating your audience. We all strive for financial stability and a better life, which can be achieved through smart investments, frugal living, and careful budgeting. I'm thankful that I learned the value of hard work and financial freedom early on.

[kortyEdna]

My portfolio doesn’t just cater to dividend stocks. I hold $VFIAX (S&P 500 index fund) in my Roth IRA and $VTI (Total Stock Market ETF) in my taxable brokerage account. Two of my largest holdings. The individual dividend stock positions all complement the index holdings.

[SaintYvess]

A Financial Planner told me Saving at least 15% of your income in a 401(k) can help ensure that you have enough money to retire comfortably. How can take advantage of compound interest and potentially grow your retirement savings overtime?

[BrewerVera]

As an lnvestment enthusiast, I often wonder how top level investors are able to become millionaires off investing. . I’ve been sitting on over $545K equity from a home sale and I’m not sure where to go from here, is it a good time to buy into stocks or do I wait for another opportunity?.

[RaymondcrawRaymondCrawley]

Most Americans find it hard to retire comfortably amid economy downtrend. Some have close to nothing going into retirement, my question is, will you pay off mortgage as a near-retiree, or spread money for cashflow, to afford lifestyle after retirement?

[JenniferDavis]

I've just completed the sale of a property located in Portland and I'm considering reallocating the resulting funds into the stock market. Despite prevailing sentiments regarding its readiness, I'm unsure about the timing of stock purchases. How long until we witness a full market recovery? Furthermore, I'm puzzled by the methods allowing others in the same market to achieve gains surpassing $200k within months.

[YinusaSaheed]

I'm 54 and my wife and I are VERY worried about our future, gas and food prices rising daily. We have had our savings dwindle with the cost of living into the stratosphere, and we are finding it impossible to replace them. We can get by, but can't seem to get ahead. My condolences to anyone retiring in this crisis, 30 years nonstop just for a crooked system to take all you worked for.

[jvnderhm]

Spent his life fighting for lower fees for the retail investor, this man is a legend!

[RossiPopa]

investors can never be sure what will happen next, bearish periods ultimately establish a new set of stocks to buy and watch while setting the stage for a robust new uptrend. I have been reading articles of people that grossed profits up to $250k during this crash, what are the best stocks to buy now or put on a watchlist?

[floxydorathy]

I've heard that index funds and ETFs provide diversified stock market exposure while spreading risk. I have over $800K in savings; What's the most effective strategy to allocate funds in my portfolio and generate profits?

[GorkemHernandez]

I think investors should always put their cash to work, especially In 2024, we'll start to see more market diversification. I'm hoping to invest about $350k of my savings in stocks this year. Hope to make millions in 2024.

[wuziwu]

Jack gave up being a billionaire so the investor can become a millionaire

[oneiljerry]

The S&P 500 finished down 20% in 2022. This means long term investors have a great starting point in 2023. Here are 4 very popular ETF’s: $VOO- S&P 500 fund $VTI- Total US stock market $QQQ- High growth, tech $SCHD- Growth + Dividends...I want to spread across $400k into profit yielding dividend equities but unsure of which to get into.

[kristine-ie]

The market trend can turn around very quickly. In fact, the indexes often switch from a bear market to a bull market when the news is at its worst and the mood of investors is at its lowest point. I read an article of people that grossed profits up to $150k during this crash, what are the best stocks to buy now or put on a watchlist?

[claraclouse]

Youngsters starting in investing need to learn the ropes, know how much risk they can handle and spread their investments around. Some folks get help from money experts or do their homework before making investment moves. It's all about being smart with your money.

[legacymedia]

Investing in the stock market has HISTORICALLY provided higher returns than other forms of investment. According to Morningstar, the average annual return for the S&P 500 index, which measures the performance of 500 large-cap stocks, was approximately 10% from 1926 to 2020. A trader made over $350k in this recession influenced market

[guysmith]

What a great man! I once wrote him a letter thanking him for what he has done for the little investor. To my surprise, he answered my letter thanking ME on a post card. I have saved that post card and will pass it on to my family.

[dwightplock]

This guy was just an awesome example of intelligence and altruism. Heard he could've been a billionaire, but his main goal was to help others. At least we have his videos for guidance.