KISS — Keep It Simple Strategy

Passive portfolios designed for clarity, simplicity, and long-term compounding.

KISS applies the 80/20 rule of investing through broad, low-cost index funds and a short-term bond sleeve. It emphasizes what matters most—capturing broad diversification, minimizing costs, and avoiding unnecessary complexity—so investors can stay focused on long-term goals without constant tinkering.

  • Core Building Blocks - Anchored in two total-market equity funds (VTI, VXUS) and a bond allocation, with the option to use a short-term, actively managed bond fund (JPST) in place of the typical broad bond index fund to reduce interest rate sensitivity and limit drawdowns.

  • Flexible Weight Ranges - Suggested allocations encourage prudent sizing between equities and bonds while allowing customization to individual risk tolerance and goals.

  • Optional Satellite Exposures - Investors who wish to complement the KISS framework with one additional asset classes—such as momentum stocks or gold—can reference the Best in Class menu for vetted options.

Want flexibility? See the Best in Class Investment Menu →

Risk Level Legend (1–5) · 1 Very Low · 2 Low · 3 Moderate · 4 High · 5 Very High
Suggested Weight Range: Flexible ranges for core holdings, based on diversification and prudent portfolio use.
Asset Class ETF 🛡 Risk Level 💸 Expense Ratio Suggested Weight Range Objective
U.S. Broad St Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) 4 0.03% 20% – 85% Broad US market exposure across all capitalizations; efficient core building block for equity allocation. Core index funds justify high weights through broad diversification, low cost, and minimal concentration risk.
International Large Blend Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) 4 0.05% 10% – 40% International equities across developed and emerging markets, including large, mid, and small caps. Core index funds justify high weights through broad diversification, low cost, and minimal concentration risk.
U.S. Bond Short-Term JPMorgan Ultra-Short Income ETF (JPST) 1 0.18% 0% – 25% Ultra-short, income-oriented sleeve used as a cash-like buffer to reduce duration risk and dampen volatility.

Guides & Insights

Disclaimer

Your True Wealth is not a registered investment adviser. Our intent is to provide professional and credible financial education—resources often reserved for the affluent—in a way that is accessible to everyone. Therefore, this is financial education—not advice—and no buy or sell recommendations are provided. Every individual’s situation—and risk tolerance—is different, so readers should think critically, do their homework, and stay focused on long-term goals. Consult a licensed professional for personalized advice.