#VanguardFTW

Vanguard For The Win became shorthand for the Bogleheads philosophy of low-cost index fund investing through Vanguard. VTSAX (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares) became the holy grail investment, mentioned in every FIRE forum discussion.

Why Vanguard?

Unique structure: Vanguard is owned by its funds, which are owned by investors. This means Vanguard works for shareholders, not outside owners seeking profit.

Result: Lowest expense ratios in the industry

• VTSAX: 0.04% (owns entire US stock market)
• VTIAX: 0.11% (total international)
• VBTLX: 0.05% (total bond market)

Comparison: Active mutual funds average 0.50-1.50% expense ratios

The Trinity: VTSAX, VTIAX, VBTLX

The classic three-fund portfolio:

• 60% VTSAX (US Total Stock Market)
• 30% VTIAX (International Total Stock Market)
• 10% VBTLX (US Total Bond Market)

Adjust bond percentage based on age (e.g., 120 minus age = stock percentage).

JL Collins Effect

“The Simple Path to Wealth” (2016) by JL Collins cemented VTSAX as the FIRE movement default:

“Just buy VTSAX and chill.”

His blog’s “Stock Series” converted thousands to index investing, arguing:

• Simplicity beats complexity
• Fees destroy wealth
• Time in market > timing market
• VTSAX = own American capitalism

VTSAX vs VTI

Same fund, different formats:

• VTSAX: Mutual fund, $3K minimum, buy at end of day
• VTI: ETF version, $1 minimum, trade all day

Both track same index (CRSP US Total Market), 0.04% expense ratio. Bogleheads debate which is better (conclusion: doesn’t matter).

The Meme

“In Vanguard We Trust” became personal finance meme culture:

• “VTSAX and chill”
• “Have you heard the good word of our lord and savior VTSAX?”
• “My retirement plan: VTSAX”
• “/r/personalfinance starter pack: VTSAX, emergency fund, pay off debt”

Competitors

• Fidelity FZROX: 0% expense ratio (but not truly total market)
• Schwab SWTSX: 0.03% expense ratio
• Blackrock: Larger by AUM, but higher fees

Despite competition, Vanguard maintained brand loyalty through:

• Jack Bogle’s legacy (died 2019)
• Investor ownership structure
• First-mover advantage
• Community trust

By The Numbers (2023)

• Vanguard AUM: $7.2 trillion
• VTSAX assets: $300+ billion
• VTI assets: $300+ billion
• Investor accounts: 30+ million

“Just buy VTSAX” remains the most common personal finance advice on Reddit, despite being boring compared to crypto, options trading, and stock picking.

Sources:

• “The Simple Path to Wealth” (JL Collins, 2016)
• Vanguard.com fund factsheets
• Bogleheads wiki
• r/financialindependence survey data