Investment Strategy - The default investment option for risk-averse long-term investors is to mirror the S&P 500 index, which provides exposure to the top 500 companies globally, typically through an ETF like the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO) [3][5] - For those willing to take on more risk for potentially higher returns, the Vanguard Growth Index Fund (NYSEMKT: VUG) focuses on large growth stocks and has outperformed the S&P 500 in recent years, with VOO doubling in value and VUG rising by 111% over the past five years as of September 29 [4][5] Investment Goals - To achieve a retirement goal of $1 million, it is essential to determine the monthly investment amount based on expected annual returns, which are estimated to range between 8% and 10% [7] - The investment timeline significantly affects the monthly investment requirement; the longer the investment period, the less needs to be invested each month [8] Financial Planning - A table has been created to illustrate various scenarios based on five-year increments and different annual returns, helping to estimate the monthly investment needed to reach the $1 million goal [9]