Keeping It Simple with ETF Investments

Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. Albert Einstein

Far too many investors (and their advisers or brokers) do not need the typical complexity or churning of investments that I often see in investor’s statements. These investments are often costly or complicated with limited added value. The six UTMA accounts Cindie and I set up for our grandchildren provide an excellent example. I will keep this post simple too. There won’t be a lot of words. However, here is my thinking when I bought these investments for our three granddaughters and three grandsons…

Keeping It Simple Six Themes

1) Always have diversity in the investment mix; 2) When possible, pick investments with low expense ratios; 3) Consider dividend growth investments like VYM, DGRO and DVY; 4) Focus on some sectors that you think will be long-term winners (like health care and technology); 5) International investments may help round out a portfolio; 6) Be opportunistic (when MAIN dropped in price due to COVID-19, I bought shares for the accounts.)

UTMA returns as of May 31, 2021
UTMA positions are primarily ETFs with one exception: MAIN is a BDC.

Summary

Keep it simple. You don’t get extra points for making it complex.