[MatthewRyan]

Ok here is the deal: if you are looking to use this money in the next 5 years or less, stocks are the Wrong investment. Short term money (5 years or less) needs to be in a combination money market funds and short term bond fonds.

You should probably divide your money into 2 pots; one for your short term needs, and the other for your long term investms. Long term investments should really be looked at as 'untouchable' until you retire. Because more intermediate needs (5-10 years) should be invested for differently than long term needs (15+ years).

For your long term investments ,you will need a portfolio of Domestic & International equities + domestic bonds:
any of the portfolios above are good. The Vangaurd 500 alone will not cut it because you need to diversify across asset classes as well as across stocks.


Short Term "safe" Money: (5years or less)
I would recomend the Vangaurd Prime money market fund or ING Direct + the Vangaurd Short Term Bond Fund. You could use a 50/50 split. Truth be told, if your short term funds could just as easily be put into just ING or a MMF because the difference in return will be very small as opposed to adding in short term bonds.

-Matt