The Simple Path to Wealth

The Entire Book in 4 Sentences

1. Spend less than you earn — the gap between income and spending is everything.
2. Invest the surplus in VTSAX — one low-cost total stock market index fund, that's it.
3. Avoid debt — especially high-interest consumer debt.
4. Never sell during downturns — stay the course, time in the market beats timing.

The Numbers That Matter

• Savings rate determines everything: 50% savings rate → ~17 years to FI
• 4% Rule: Multiply your annual expenses by 25 = your FIRE number
• Expected return: ~7% real (after inflation) over the long term
• Success rate: 95% of active fund managers underperform index funds over 15 years

One Fund, For Life

VTSAX (or its ETF equivalent VTI)

• 0.04% expense ratio (you keep more)
• ~3,600 stocks (entire U.S. market)
• No decisions, no stress, no timing

"Buy VTSAX and chill." — This isn't just a meme, it's the strategy.