The Independent Vanguard Adviser

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Seasoned insights on Vanguard funds that most investors don’t know—and Vanguard won’t tell you.

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The only independent newsletter written for Vanguard investors, by Vanguard investors.

The Independent Vanguard Adviser is the go-to resource for the serious Vanguard investor who doesn't want to make moves every minute, but wants every move to count.

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Weekly Brief
LATEST INSIGHT -

Growth vs. Value: A Debate Without a Winner

The real-world data doesn't settle the growth-versus-value debate—and neither do the academics.

8 min read
More Insights
IVA Research

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

FUNDS FOCUS – Life-Cycle | There’s a lot to like about Vanguard’s allocations, and I’ve always said that investing doesn’t need to be complicated, but investing isn’t one size fits all, either.

| 23 min read
Monthly Recap

We Were Promised a Recession

JULY 2023 | With no recession in sight, stocks delivered double-digit returns in the first half of 2023. Be wary of outsized one-year returns and the Super Seven. Plus, an article roundup and the IVA Factor Tracker.

| 9 min read
Weekly Brief

To Coup, Or Not to Coup

One-year returns on the rise | Where did the recession go? | A non-coup in Russia | Unknown requirements to lend your stocks

| 4 min read
IVA Research

What Kind of Investor Are You?

How much should I allocate to stocks versus bonds versus cash? It’s a fundamental question most investors spend too little time on. Here’s how to find the answer that is right for you.

| 16 min read
Weekly Brief

Can I Borrow Your Shares?

Powell signals higher interest rates ahead, but the big move is behind us | Vanguard rolls out securities lending to individual investors

| 4 min read
Featured

Why I've Become More Open to Index Funds

MAILBAG | Have I abandoned active management in favor of index funds? The short answer is no, but my thinking has evolved. Here's where I stand.

| 8 min read

PRIMECAP’s Next Generation

Joel Fried’s retirement brings the firm’s generational handoff into focus—but PRIMECAP’s unusual structure may give it an edge.

| 3 min read

The AI Footprint in Your Vanguard Portfolio

MAILBAG | A comprehensive look at Vanguard funds tied to the AI narrative, as well as those that aren’t—and how the IVA Portfolios stack up.

| 22 min read
Disclaimer

Vanguard and The Vanguard Group are service marks of The Vanguard Group, Inc. We are not affiliated in any way with The Vanguard Group and receive no compensation from The Vanguard Group, Inc.

Jeff DeMaso

Hi, I’m Jeff DeMaso.

Welcome to the Independent Vanguard Adviser.

I’ve been a Vanguard investor for over a decade, co-editing the leading newsletter on Vanguard funds and ETFs. I’m a big Vanguard fan, but they are not perfect (nobody is). I’ll tell you the good and the bad when it comes to Vanguard.

Over two decades while working at a multi-billion-dollar investment firm, I held titles of intern to CIO (and everything in between). I’ve seen investors make avoidable mistakes time and time again. I aim to share the investment insights and advice I want my family and friends to have so that you can make meaningful investments for yours.

When investing, I believe in simplicity, diversification and spending time in the market. A simple promise: My family and I will invest in the same funds I recommend to you!

When I’m not poring over Vanguard’s most recent prospectus, you can find me chasing my toddler around the playground or trying to avoid an injury while reliving the glory days on the soccer pitch.