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Substitute(s) for VTSAX / VTI?

M
michaelrs2 · · 10 replies

I've been contributing to my 403b for 14 years, but have only recently decided to take a more hands-on approach to the investments in that account. I'd like to follow the FI advice and invest in VTSAX and/or VTI, but those are apparently not offered by my employer. The 403b is managed by TIAA and offers 54 options for investments (mostly Vanguard products). I'm hoping that my plan offers some fund or set of funds that could be a decent substitute for VTSAX/VTI- any suggestions would be much appreciated!

(And sorry if I've gotten any of the terminology wrong- I'm fairly new to the investment vocabulary!)

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Replies (10)

Tjs

Tjs

1 year ago

This is very helpful. I'm in the same boat with my 403b. TiAA's website is not very user friendly in my opinion. Getting ready to do some massive research on their funds. Also look for funds starting with the name Nuveen. That is their new fund manager

michaelrs2

michaelrs2

1 year ago

Thanks for those explanations, Roberto and Amy!

Searching for the terms you suggested, I found Vanguard Institutional 500 Index Trust (VIIP#) and Vanguard Inst Total International Stock Market Index Trust (VISP#). These would seem to fit the bill (?)

BostonFI

BostonFI

1 year ago

Vanguard's institutional funds have different tickers so there is likely to be something that's equivalent or close to a total US stock market fund. You can post what funds your 403b offers and we can help you choose. Look for fund names like "500 fund", "large cap", or "total market".

Roberto Sánchez

Roberto Sánchez

1 year ago

What you are looking for is something with "total stock market", "total US stock market", or "SP& 500" in the name somewhere. That's all VTSAX/VTI and VFIAX/VOO (the S&P 500 equivalents) are.

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