[jively]

Congrats on finding Vanguard. They are really one of the best mutual fund companies out there. I recommend the index funds there.

It looks like you are comfortable with 100% stock and no fixed income. If so, I'd think about 70% in US stocks and 30% in international stocks (that is if you are a US investor).

You have to consider how much you are saving, and Vanguard's minimums. If you are thinking of 4 funds, I guess you are starting with at least $12,000. Maybe a good starting allocation would be

40% Total Stock Market Index
30% Small Cap Index
30% International Index

I see you like Value funds. I think that is good, that Value stocks have a higher expected return than the market and growth stocks. Your eventual allocation might be something like this:

20% US Total Stock Market Index
20% US Large Cap Value Index
10% US Small Cap Index
10% US Small Cap Value Index
10% REIT Index
10% European Index
10% Asia/Pacific Index
10% Emerging Markets Index

You'd have to figure out how to add funds when you have enough to get over the minimum purchase price.

Good luck,

-Tom