I generally start with the [Bogleheads](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Main_Page) theory of investing. This involves investing in a few ETFs or mutual funds. For example, a [3 fund portfolio](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Three-fund_portfolio). I use [Schwab funds](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Charles_Schwab), but any with low expense ratios will suffice.

An import piece is figuring out the [asset allocation](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Asset_allocation) for each fund. The simplest setup is just use a [target date fund](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Target_date_funds), picking a typical retirement date. [SWYGX](https://www.schwabassetmanagement.com/resource/swygx-fact-sheet) is one such Schwab fund with a target retirement date of 2040.

Target date funds are not a good idea for a taxable brokerage account. They are mainly best for a 401k or IRA account. See [this thread](https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=408592) and [this SEC filing](https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-21) for why.