KISS Portfolio – Core Passive
These timeless build blocks form the strategic foundation of a long-term portfolio. They are designed for broad, low-cost market exposure and minimal maintenance, making them ideal for investors seeking simplicity and efficiency without sacrificing diversification.
| Asset Class | Category | Holding | 🛡 Risk Level | 💸 Expense Ratio | 🎯 Weight Range | Strategic Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Equities | U.S. Total Market | Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) Mutual Fund: Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX) |
4 | 0.03% | 30–90% | Passively managed index investment providing exposure to the entire U.S. equity market across all sectors and market caps. Ultra-low-cost and one of the most popular core holdings worldwide, valued for broad diversification, liquidity, and efficiency. |
| International Equities | International Large Blend | Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) Mutual Fund: Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTIAX) |
4 | 0.07% | 10–30% | Passively managed index investment offering comprehensive exposure to developed and emerging markets outside the U.S. Low-cost and widely used globally for completeness, efficiency, and reducing home-country bias in portfolios. |
| Fixed Income | Ultra-Short-Term Credit | JPMorgan Ultra-Short Income ETF (JPST) | 1 | 0.18% | 0–40% | Actively managed ultra-short bond strategy chosen over standard bond funds for safety assets, with low interest rate sensitivity and historically strong performance versus peers. |
Why Smart Investors Use These
✅ Simple works. Just three funds cover global stocks and short-term bonds — the 80/20 rule in action.
✅ Proven results. These are long-established ETFs with strong track records. Most active managers underperform low-cost index funds over time.
✅ Diversified by design. VTI and VEU cover global equities. BSV adds high-quality short-term bonds for stability and income.
✅ International matters. Global stocks help spread risk. International stocks have recently outpaced US stocks, and a weaker dollar can boost returns.
✅ Bonds for balance. BSV cushions stock swings and provides liquidity and income with less interest rate risk than longer-term bonds.
✅ Low fees, no fluff. Vanguard’s investor-owned model keeps costs low — more money stays invested.
✅ Works for everyone. A solid passive core allocation that allows you to set it and get on with your life.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research and consult a qualified professional before making investment decisions.
Historical Performance Disclaimer: Historical performance data is provided for informational purposes only and does not guarantee future results. Performance figures are sourced from Portfolio Visualizer (www.portfoliovisualizer.com) and may include data from third-party providers. Please verify all information independently before making investment decisions.