These Active Funds Beat the S&P 500. Why I Still Use Index Funds (FQF)

This week on Five Question Friday (FQF):

Question 1: If actively managed funds have beaten the index after fees, why choose an index fund?

Question 2: How should you plan for big, lumpy expenses in retirement?

Question 3: Could a market crash early in retirement actually help you?

Question 4: Can a target-date fund replace a bond fund?

Question 5: Does a total stock market fund like VTI need more small and mid caps?

Resources mentioned in the video:

Testfolio (the backtest tool): https://testfol.io Fidelity Blue Chip Growth Fund (FBGRX): https://fundresearch.fidelity.com/mutual-funds/summary/316389303 Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Fund (VTWNX): https://investor.vanguard.com/investment-products/mutual-funds/profile/vtwnx Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI): https://investor.vanguard.com/investment-products/etfs/profile/vti Boldin vs ProjectionLab vs Empower (my comparison video): https://youtu.be/dUe0EPC5xHU Empower: https://go.robberger.com/empower/yt-fqf-2026-10-09 Boldin: https://go.robberger.com/boldin/yt-fqf-2026-10-09 ProjectionLab: https://go.robberger.com/projectionlab/yt-fqf-2026-10-09 Join the Newsletter. It's Free: https://robberger.com/newsletter/?utm_source=Rob+Berger&utm_medium=ATF+Link&utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_id=YouTube

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#retirement #investing #robberger

0:00 Intro: this week's five questions
1:04 Index funds vs. active funds that beat them
10:23 Paying for big, lumpy expenses in retirement
15:43 Can a crash early in retirement help you?
20:47 A target-date fund in place of a bond fund
24:20 Does a total market fund need more small caps?

ABOUT ME

While still working as a trial attorney in the securities field, I started writing about personal finance and investing In 2007. In 2013 I started the Doughroller Money Podcast, which has been downloaded millions of times. I've since sold my websites, bought them back, and started a new website and this YouTube channel.

I'm also the author of Retire Before Mom and Dad--The Simple Numbers Behind a Lifetime of Financial Freedom (https://amzn.to/3by10EE)

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DISCLAIMER: I am not a financial adviser. These videos are for educational purposes only. Investing of any kind involves risk. Your investment and other financial decisions are solely your responsibility. It is imperative that you conduct your own research and seek professional advice as necessary. I am merely sharing my opinions.

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