In this episode of Summed, we deliver a complete The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing summary—a straightforward handbook for building wealth with low-cost index funds, a simple three-fund portfolio, smart asset allocation, and ruthless control of fees and taxes. In 20 minutes, learn how to write an Investment Policy Statement (IPS), automate contributions and rebalancing, and protect against big risks (insurance) so you can stay the course through every market cycle. Perfect for beginners and busy listeners who want a proven, set-and-forget approach to investing.

About the authors

Taylor Larimore, Mel Lindauer & Michael LeBoeuf are longtime stewards of the Bogleheads community, distilling John C. Bogle’s principles—own the market at low cost, minimize taxes, and be disciplined—into practical steps any investor can follow.

Key takeaways

• Three-fund portfolio: total stock, total international, total bond—diversified, cheap, effective.
• Asset allocation first: match risk to your horizon and sleep-at-night level; write it into an IPS.
• Costs & taxes kill returns: prefer low expense ratios, tax-efficient funds, and smart account placement.
• Automate discipline: monthly contributions, dividend reinvestment, and calendar-based rebalancing.
• Insure big risks: health, disability, and term life before chasing higher returns.
• Stay the course: ignore forecasts; consistency beats cleverness.

This week’s playbook

1. Draft a one-page Investment Policy Statement (goals, target allocation, contribution plan, rebalance rule).
2. Build or migrate to a three-fund core using low-cost index funds/ETFs.
3. Automate monthly buys and turn on dividend reinvestment.
4. Set an annual rebalance reminder (or 5% bands).
5. Do a quick insurance audit to cover catastrophic risks.

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