Build My First ETF Portfolio
Free tool • 5 questions • No sign-up required
Not sure which ETFs to buy or how to split your money across them? You are not alone. One of the biggest hurdles for new investors is deciding on that very first portfolio. This free wizard walks you through five simple questions about your age, risk tolerance, investing goals, time horizon, and monthly budget, then recommends a specific ETF portfolio tailored to your situation.
Every recommendation uses low-cost, broadly diversified index ETFs from providers like Vanguard, Schwab, and Invesco. You will see exactly which ETFs to buy, how much to put in each one, the projected growth of your portfolio over 10, 20, and 30 years, and the total fees you can expect to pay. Whether you are 22 and just starting out or 55 and catching up, this tool gives you a clear, actionable plan to follow.
This wizard is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. The allocations are based on widely accepted asset allocation principles and historical return data. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified financial advisor.
What is your age range?
Your age helps determine the right balance between growth and safety.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the portfolio wizard decide which ETFs to recommend?▾
The wizard uses your answers across five dimensions: age range, risk tolerance, investment goal, time horizon, and monthly budget. Younger investors with aggressive risk profiles receive portfolios weighted heavily toward equity ETFs like VOO and QQQ for long-term growth. Older or more conservative investors get higher bond allocations through BND. Specific goals like dividend income or education savings trigger specialized allocations that prioritize relevant ETFs such as SCHD and VYM for dividends or a balanced VTI/VXUS/BND split for education. Every recommendation uses low-cost index ETFs with expense ratios well below 0.20% to keep your fees minimal over time.
Is this portfolio wizard a substitute for financial advice?▾
No. This wizard is an educational tool designed to help beginners understand how a diversified ETF portfolio could be structured based on common investing principles. It does not consider your complete financial situation, tax circumstances, existing investments, debt obligations, or specific financial goals. The recommendations are based on widely accepted asset allocation guidelines and use broad-market, low-cost index ETFs. For personalized financial advice tailored to your unique situation, consult a qualified financial advisor or certified financial planner.
How accurate are the growth projections shown in the results?▾
The growth projections use the standard future value of annuity formula with monthly compounding and assumed average annual returns based on historical data for each ETF category. The S&P 500 has historically returned roughly 10% per year on average, while bonds return around 4%. However, actual future returns will vary year to year and may differ significantly from historical averages. The projections do not account for taxes, inflation, or the sequence of returns, which can all affect real outcomes. Use the numbers as a directional guide to understand the power of consistent investing rather than as a precise prediction.
Can I change my portfolio allocation after using this wizard?▾
Absolutely. The wizard provides a solid starting point, but your portfolio should evolve as your life circumstances change. Many investors start with the recommended allocation and adjust over time as they learn more about investing, experience their first market downturn, or approach major life milestones. A common strategy is to gradually shift from stocks to bonds as you get closer to your goal date. You can revisit this wizard anytime to see updated recommendations based on your current situation, and our guides on rebalancing and asset allocation explain how to make adjustments effectively.