In My Finance Era by Vanguard

Index Funds, Risk, & Compounding: Investing Basics | Vanguard

If investing terms like “risk” and “compounding” feel abstract, this episode makes them concrete. In this episode of In My Finance Era, we break down how investing actually works—how money can grow over time, what different types of risk really mean, and why many long‑term investors choose diversified index funds instead of trying to pick winners. Rather than focusing on short‑term market moves, this conversation helps reframe investing around time, consistency, and understanding what you can and can’t control. What you’ll learn: • How compounding works and why time often matters more than market timing   • The different types of investment risk, including the often‑overlooked risk of inflation   • What index funds are and how diversification can help reduce single‑stock risk   If you’ve ever felt unsure where to start or worried you need to “know more” before investing, this episode is designed to help you feel more confident and grounded. Watch more from In My Finance Era:  https://vgi.vg/4nG9FeA All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss.  These findings are based on a poll conducted by Vanguard in February 2026 among 1,346 U.S. respondents, including 544 adults between the ages of 18 and 34. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 2.9 percentage points, at the 95% confidence level. The survey was conducted using Ipsos KnowledgePanel, an established online, probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. adult population. For this study, a larger-than-usual sample of adults ages 25 to 44 was collected and then weighted to reflect their correct proportion within the U.S. population. The data were weighted to match the U.S. population across key demographics, including gender by age, race and ethnicity, education, census region, metropolitan status, and household income. These benchmarks were sourced from the 2025 March Supplement of the Current Population Survey. As part of quality control, 19 respondents were removed from the weighted dataset for skipping 50% or more of the questions for which they were eligible.   Vanguard Quick Polls. February 2026. Copyright 2026, The Vanguard Group, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

Investing 101: Principles for Investing Success | Vanguard

Investing doesn’t require perfect timing or constant monitoring. In this episode of In My Finance Era, we share an answer‑first framework built around a few core principles that help investors stay focused, disciplined, and aligned with long‑term goals, even when the market feels noisy.Instead of chasing trends or reacting to headlines, this conversation breaks investing down into simple ideas that can help you build confidence and tune out the distractions. What you’ll learn: * The four core principles of investing: goals, diversification, costs, and discipline.   * What dollar‑cost averaging is and why automating can help remove emotion. * How to avoid “playing someone else’s investing game.”  If you’re looking for a calmer, more intentional way to approach investing, this episode helps you focus on what actually matters. Watch more from In My Finance Era: https://vgi.vg/4d4UQNA All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Dollar-cost averaging does not guarantee that your investments will make a profit, nor does it protect you against losses when stock or bond prices are falling. Investments in bonds are subject to interest rate, credit, and inflation risk. These findings are based on a poll conducted by Vanguard in February 2026 among 1,346 U.S. respondents, including 544 adults between the ages of 18 and 34. The margin of sampling error is plus-or-minus 2.9 percentage points, at the 95% confidence level. The survey was conducted using Ipsos KnowledgePanel, an established online, probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. adult population. For this study, a larger-than-usual sample of adults ages 25 to 44 was collected and then weighted to reflect their correct proportion within the U.S. population. The data were weighted to match the U.S. population across key demographics, including gender by age, race and ethnicity, education, census region, metropolitan status, and household income. These benchmarks were sourced from the 2025 March Supplement of the Current Population Survey.As part of quality control, 19 respondents were removed from the weighted dataset for skipping 50% or more of the questions for which they were eligible. Vanguard Quick Polls. February 2026. Copyright 2026, The Vanguard Group, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

401(k) Match + HSA Basics | Young Money Moves | Vanguard

Getting started with retirement saving can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of In My Finance Era, we break down two of the most important early career money moves: understanding your employer’s 401(k) match and making sense of health savings accounts (HSAs), especially if you’re changing jobs. Instead of trying to do everything at once, this conversation focuses on a few simple ideas that can help you avoid common mistakes and make the most of the benefits already available to you. What you’ll learn: * How a 401(k) employer match works and the first step to avoid leaving money on the table. * How HSAs work and when they can support both health costs and long‑term saving. * What to do with your 401(k) when you change jobs, including common rollover mistakes. If you’re early in your career or just trying to get more intentional about saving, this episode is a good place to start. Watch more from In My Finance Era → https://vgi.vg/4cp3ho5 All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. We recommend that you consult a tax or financial advisor about your individual situation. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying funds. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative ones based on its target date. An investment in target-date funds is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Vanguard's advice services are provided by Vanguard Advisers, Inc. ("VAI"), a registered investment advisor, or by Vanguard National Trust Company ("VNTC"), a federally chartered, limited-purpose trust company. These findings are based on a poll conducted by Vanguard in February 2026 among 1,346 U.S. respondents, including 544 adults between the ages of 18 and 34. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 2.9 percentage points, at the 95% confidence level. The survey was conducted using Ipsos KnowledgePanel, an established online, probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. adult population. For this study, a larger-than-usual sample of adults ages 25 to 44 was collected and then weighted to reflect their correct proportion within the U.S. population. The data were weighted to match the U.S. population across key demographics, including gender by age, race and ethnicity, education, census region, metropolitan status, and household income. These benchmarks were sourced from the 2025 March Supplement of the Current Population Survey. As part of quality control, 19 respondents were removed from the weighted dataset for skipping 50% or more of the questions for which they were eligible. Vanguard Quick Polls. February 2026. Copyright 2026, The Vanguard Group, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

How much should I save?

Ever wondered, “How much should I save?” In this episode of In My Finance Era, Brandon King, head of personal investor cash strategy at Vanguard, joins us to break down the essentials of financial discipline and lifestyle financial planning. Learn how to build an emergency fund that fits your life, prepare for income and spending shocks, and stay consistent with your savings goals—without sacrificing joy.   Further information: 🔗 10 Ways to Save More Money: https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/article/how-to-save [https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/article/how-to-save] 🔗 Guide to Building an Emergency Fund: https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/emergency-fund [https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/emergency-fund] 🔗 Retirement Income Calculator: https://investor.vanguard.com/tools-calculators/retirement-income-calculator [https://investor.vanguard.com/tools-calculators/retirement-income-calculator] 🔗 Short-Term Financial Goals: https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/short-term-savings-goals [https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/short-term-savings-goals] 🔗 Vanguard Cash Plus Account: https://investor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/vanguard-cash-plus-account [https://investor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/vanguard-cash-plus-account]   All investing is subject to risk, including possible loss of principal. © 2025 The Vanguard Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.

What is an emergency fund?

Ever wondered what an emergency fund is and why it’s essential? In this episode, Vanguard behavioral economics expert Malena de la Fuente explains how building emergency funds can protect your financial future and reduce stress. We share real-life examples, compare saving vs. investing, and offer simple strategies to help you save money consistently—even if you’re just starting out.   Further information: 🔗 Guide to Building an Emergency Fund:  https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/emergency-fund [https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/emergency-fund] 🔗 Vanguard Cash Plus Account:  https://investor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/vanguard-cash-plus-account [https://investor.vanguard.com/accounts-plans/vanguard-cash-plus-account]   All investing is subject to risk, including possible loss of principal.   © 2025 The Vanguard Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.