Master Passive Wealth: Building Your Portfolio with Index Funds & ETFs

Looking to take control of your financial future but tired of the constant noise of stock picking? In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to harness the proven power of index funds and ETFs to create a low-cost, diversified portfolio that works for you; no Wall Street jargon required. Whether you’re just starting out or already have some savings to invest, this course will guide you step-by-step through the essential strategies that long-term investors swear by.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why Passive Investing Works: Understand the core principles behind index funds, ETFs, and the philosophy of “buy and hold.” Learn why millions of investors choose a passive strategy to build wealth over decades.

• Fund Selection Made Simple: Discover how to research and compare broad-market index funds (e.g. S&P 500, Total Market) and specialized ETFs (sector, thematic, bond, international). Demystify expense ratios, tracking error, and fund structure so you can pick investments with confidence.

• Crafting Your Own Portfolio Blueprint: Learn how to assess risk tolerance, set realistic financial goals, and determine the right asset allocation mix for your unique situation. We’ll walk through several model portfolios, from conservative to growth-oriented—so you can see exactly how different fund combinations perform.

• Rebalancing & Risk Management: Explore easy-to-follow rebalancing techniques to keep your portfolio aligned with your goals. Learn straightforward strategies to mitigate risk during market downturns and how to use compounding to your advantage.

• Hands-On Tools & Resources: Get comfortable with popular, user-friendly tools (e.g. free online screeners, brokerage dashboards, and portfolio trackers). By the end of the class, you’ll know exactly where to find up-to-date fund performance data and how to place your first ETF order.

Class Project:
Build your very own “Starter Portfolio Worksheet.” You’ll receive a downloadable template where you’ll:

1. Define your investment goals and timeline.

2. Select 3–5 index funds or ETFs based on criteria like expense ratio, diversification, and historical returns.

3. Allocate sample percentages (e.g. 60% U.S. stock index, 20% international equity, 20% bond ETF) to reflect your risk tolerance.

4. Set up a simple rebalancing schedule (quarterly or annually) and note down the “trigger points” to maintain balance.

Upload your filled-in worksheet and share which funds you chose, why they fit your goals, and how you plan to stay disciplined with rebalancing. You’ll get personalized feedback from both the instructor and fellow students to refine your approach.

Who This Class Is For:

• Complete Beginners: No prior finance or investing experience is required. If you can read a stock ticker and want to build wealth, you’ve found the right place.

• DIY Investors: If you already have a brokerage account but feel overwhelmed choosing which funds to buy, this class breaks everything down into bite-sized, actionable steps.

• Busy Professionals & Side Hustlers: Learn a passive strategy that doesn’t demand daily monitoring—perfect for anyone with a full-time job or other commitments.

• Freelancers & Entrepreneurs: Put your irregular cash flow to work by understanding dollar-cost averaging and how to invest lump sums intelligently.

• Soon-to-Be Retirees: If you want a straightforward, low-maintenance portfolio that can carry you through retirement, we’ll show you exactly how to build it.

This class is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal, or financial advice. I am not a registered financial advisor, broker, or tax professional, and nothing in this course should be construed as personalized recommendations for your unique situation. You should always consult with a qualified, licensed professional, such as a certified financial planner, tax advisor, or attorney, before making any investment, tax, or legal decisions. By enrolling in and participating in this class, you acknowledge that you understand and agree that all content is strictly educational.