Talk:Bogleheads® investment philosophy

How does one reconcile "invest with simplicity" with the writings of Bogleheads authors William Bernstein, Rick Ferri, and Larry Swedroe, especially if simplicity is defined as only three or four funds, per the example? Yes, investing with simplicity is John Bogle's advice, but Bogleheads has evolved to encompass more than just John Bogle's advice; hence, the designation of "Bogleheads author" conferred on the aforementioned authors. Simplicity is good for novice investors, and even good for sophisticated investors who have decided that a simple total market portfolio makes sense. However, Bogleheads authors and many other Bogleheads go beyond a three or four-fund portfolio. Many examples can be provided; here is one: the sample portfolio on page 91 of "The Investor's Manifesto" includes 12 funds. It would be more credible to suggest a three- or four-fund portfolio when starting out (all but Larry Swedroe probably would be fine with this), but acknowledging that some Bogleheads add more funds (asset classes) as they deepen their knowledge of investing.--Kevin M 02:19, 24 April 2012 (CDT)


 * A sizable contingent of forum members adhere to total stock market investing as a practice, and as acolytes of John Bogle; they objected to including such notions as "tilting" as a piece of "official" Boglehead principles (these were originally referenced in the page). They were split off, verbatim from the original article (which was very much in the style of a personal essay. The current Bogleheads investment philosophy page has been re-edited into a more "encyclopedic" voice.) The original sections (with the addition of charts) are now featured in a companion page: Variations on Bogleheads® investing. This was seen an as a workable compromise to all the objections.--Blbarnitz 02:49, 24 April 2012 (CDT)