Is VOO really the best way to invest and just chill?

General
1

I’ve been learning a lot about investing recently. Everyone keeps saying that if you want something easy, with decent growth and low risk, just throw your money into VOO and let it sit for years.

I get there are riskier and safer strategies, but is VOO really as good as people say? Why should I even consider investing in other options? Convince me to go all in on VOO, or tell me why I need to diversify. What’s your take?

2

It really can be that simple. The hard part is waiting… for decades.

3

Roan said:
It really can be that simple. The hard part is waiting… for decades.

It sounds simple, but sticking to it during crashes, recessions, or stagnant markets can test your patience big time.

4

@Uma
You mean ‘buy signals’ right?

5

Bailey said:
@Uma
You mean ‘buy signals’ right?

Sales everywhere!

6

Bailey said:
@Uma
You mean ‘buy signals’ right?

That’s timing the market though, and that’s exactly what you’re not supposed to do if you’re doing VOO and chill.

7

@Uma
I think holding back for dips ends up lowering returns in the long run. It’s like keeping too much cash in your portfolio.

8

Roan said:
It really can be that simple. The hard part is waiting… for decades.

VOO and chill or play with NVDA and stress yourself out.

9

I’m 64, and I’ve lived through two 40% market crashes. My dad saw 15 years of zero market gains (1966-1980). It’s easy when markets are climbing, but the real test is when they stall for years.

10

Vic said:
I’m 64, and I’ve lived through two 40% market crashes. My dad saw 15 years of zero market gains (1966-1980). It’s easy when markets are climbing, but the real test is when they stall for years.

Honestly, I’m not convinced we’ll ever see a bear market again with all the info we have now.

11

@Taj
You’re dreaming.

12

@Taj
That’s some major recency bias talking.

13

I’m more of a ‘VTSAX and relax’ person, but it’s the same idea. The U.S. economy is strong, and I just trust the overall market to grow over time. No need to guess which company will skyrocket or flop.

14

@Kingsley
Why VTSAX over VOO though?

15

Harlow said:
@Kingsley
Why VTSAX over VOO though?

It’s broader—3,600 stocks versus just 500 in the S&P.

16

Harlow said:
@Kingsley
Why VTSAX over VOO though?

For me, it’s about investing in the total market. That said, there’s no massive difference.

17

VOO is already diversified. You’re not ‘all in’—you’re spread across 500 of the largest companies in the U.S.

18

Remington said:
VOO is already diversified. You’re not ‘all in’—you’re spread across 500 of the largest companies in the U.S.

Exactly. And if a company in the index struggles, it gets replaced by a stronger one.

19

Remington said:
VOO is already diversified. You’re not ‘all in’—you’re spread across 500 of the largest companies in the U.S.

True, but the top 10 stocks make up a big chunk of the index. That concentration can be risky.

20

If you’re under 50, VOO and chill is great. Over 50, you might want to start shifting some into bonds or dividend stocks to lower risk as you approach retirement.