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Episode 3: Total Stock Market Index Fund


Wouldn’t a little simplicity in your financial life be nice? Imagine owning nearly every publicly traded company in the U.S. with a single ticker symbol. That’s the power of a Total Stock Market Index Fund—and it might just be the most dependable core for your investment strategy.

I’m Adam B. Cordover, collaborative family law attorney and host of LawyerFI, the podcast that helps lawyers and other high earners build lasting wealth and reclaim their time. In this episode, we explore how one simple fund can cut through the noise of Wall Street and give you a solid foundation for financial independence.


Why Index Funds Changed the Game


Back in the 1970s, Jack Bogle launched what many considered a “folly”: the first index fund. Instead of trying to beat the market, it simply matched the market—delivering broad diversification, low costs, and steady long-term results. What started as a contrarian idea is now the default choice for retirement plans and individual investors alike.


S&P 500 vs. Total Stock Market: What’s the Difference?


Most investors are familiar with the S&P 500, which tracks the 500 largest U.S. companies. A Total Stock Market Fund, by contrast, goes much further. It includes thousands of small-, mid-, and large-cap companies, giving you exposure to nearly the entire U.S. economy. Think of it as one step closer to “owning it all.”


The “VTSAX and Chill” Philosophy


Author JL Collins popularized the mantra of “VTSAX and Chill”—a simple, stress-free way of investing that relies on a single fund: Vanguard’s Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX). The philosophy is simple: automate your contributions, stop worrying about the headlines, and let compounding do its work over decades.


Comparing the Big Players: Vanguard, Fidelity, and Schwab


Not all Total Stock Market Funds are identical. In this episode, I compare the major options:


  • Vanguard (VTSAX/VTI) – The classic choice and Bogle’s original home.

  • Fidelity (FSKAX, FZROX) – Known for low costs, with even a zero-fee option.

  • Schwab (SWTSX) – Another strong contender with low expenses and simple automation.


Each offers slightly different features, but the big picture remains the same: broad exposure, tiny fees, and long-term growth.


One-Fund, Two-Fund, or Three-Fund Portfolios


Want even more flexibility? You can build a full “meal” out of index funds:


  • One-Fund Portfolio: Just a Total Stock Market Fund.

  • Two-Fund Portfolio: Add an international index fund for global diversification.

  • Three-Fund Portfolio: Add a bond index fund for stability.


These simple combinations rival the complexity of expensive, actively managed portfolios—without the high fees.


Keep It Automated and Low-Cost


The secret sauce isn’t just picking the right fund—it’s making sure your investing is automatic, repeatable, and as close to “set it and forget it” as possible. Whether through Vanguard, Fidelity, or Schwab, you can schedule recurring investments, take advantage of fractional shares, and avoid the temptation to tinker.


Over time, those microscopic costs and consistent contributions can add up to financial freedom.


Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode


Fund Fact Sheets:

  • Vanguard: VTI, VTSAX

  • Fidelity: FSKAX, FZROX

  • Schwab: SWTSX



At the end of the day, investing doesn’t have to be complicated. A Total Stock Market Index Fund gives you diversification, low costs, and peace of mind. Add in automation, and you’ve got a portfolio that works quietly in the background while you focus on your career, family, and life.

If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share with a colleague who could use a simpler, smarter path to financial independence.


This episode is brought to you by Family Diplomacy: A Collaborative Law Firm, serving professionals across Florida with dignity and privacy in divorce. Learn more at familydiplomacy.com or call 813-443-0615 to schedule a confidential virtual planning meeting.

 
 
 

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