1 Vanguard Index Fund Could Turn $500 Per Month Into a $986,900 Portfolio That Pays $15,700 in Annual Dividend Income

The median annual income for full-time workers aged 25 to 34 was $59,800 during the third quarter, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That means after-tax earnings would be about $45,400 in the worst-case scenario. Financial planners usually recommend saving 20% of after-tax earnings for retirement, which would be $9,080 per year (or about $750 per month) for the median worker. Even a portion of that figure invested wisely could build a substantial portfolio given enough time. History says $500 ...