The Best ETFs to Buy Right Now if You’re Starting Fresh

When it comes to building wealth, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are one of the most powerful tools available today. In fact, they combine the best of both worlds. Diversification, like mutual funds, and flexibility, like stocks. But, with thousands of ETFs on the market, one of the biggest questions investors ask is: What are the best ETFs to buy right now?

The information provided on this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as financial, investment, or legal advice. While I share personal insights and research, I am not a licensed financial advisor. All financial decisions carry risk, and you should always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified professional before making financial decisions. By using this site, you agree that the blog owner is not liable for any actions you take based on the content provided.

In this post, we’ll dive into that exact question. We’ll break down what ETFs are, why they matter, and how to choose the right ones for your portfolio. Most importantly, we’ll explore different categories of ETFs, from broad market funds to dividend ETFs, growth ETFs, international exposure, and even thematic funds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, you’ll find actionable insights here to help you build a strong portfolio.

And just to be clear: this post is for educational purposes only and not personal financial advice. Always do your own research or consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.

Why ETFs Are a Smart Choice for Investors

Before we get into the best ETFs to buy, let’s take a step back and understand why ETFs are so popular in the first place.

1. Diversification Made Easy – Instead of picking individual stocks, an ETF allows you to own hundreds (or even thousands) of companies in a single trade. Thereby, this reduces your risk.
2. Low Cost – Many ETFs come with extremely low expense ratios, which means more of your money is actually working for you.
3. Flexibility – Unlike mutual funds, ETFs trade on stock exchanges throughout the day, so you can buy and sell them like individual stocks.
4. Accessibility – With brokers offering commission-free ETF trading, it has never been easier (or cheaper) to get started.
5. Options for Every Goal – Whether you’re looking for growth, income, or stability, there’s likely an ETF tailored to your needs.

Read more: INVESTING FOR BEGINNERS 101: TIPS TO BUILD WEALTH WHEN YOU’RE NOT A MONEY EXPERT

How to Choose the Best ETFs to Buy

When deciding which ETFs to add to your portfolio, there are a few key things to consider:

• Your investing goals – Are you aiming for long-term growth, regular income, or short-term diversification?
• Time horizon – Someone saving for retirement in 30 years may choose different ETFs than someone nearing retirement.
• Risk tolerance – Growth ETFs can be exciting but volatile, while dividend ETFs tend to be more stable.
• Expense ratio – Look for ETFs with low fees, because even a small percentage difference can impact your returns over decades.
• Performance and holdings – Always check what’s inside the ETF. Is it concentrated in a few companies, or broadly diversified?

Now, let’s explore some of the best ETFs to buy in 2025 and beyond.

1. Best Broad Market ETF: Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI)

So, if you’re searching for a single fund that provides broad exposure to nearly the entire U.S. stock market, VTI is an excellent choice. Not only does it cover large, mid, small, and micro-cap stocks, but with over 4,000 holdings, it also offers unmatched diversification. This makes it a solid foundation for any long-term investment strategy.

• Why buy? VTI is ideal for long-term investors who want a simple, low-cost way to gain exposure to the U.S. economy while minimizing the risk associated with individual stocks.
• Expense ratio: 0.03%. Thereby, meaning more of your money stays invested and working for you.
• Ideal for: Beginners and investors who prefer a buy-and-hold strategy while building wealth over time.

In addition, VTI’s broad diversification makes it a versatile choice, allowing it to complement other ETFs in your portfolio, whether you’re adding growth-focused, dividend, or international funds.

2. Best S&P 500 ETF:  Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)

If you’re looking for reliable exposure to the largest U.S. companies, some of the best ETFs to buy are VOO or SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust). Both ETFs track the S&P 500 index, which represents 500 of the most influential companies in the U.S., providing a strong foundation for long-term investing.

• Why buy? These ETFs are ideal for investors seeking stability, broad market exposure, and historically strong long-term returns.
• Expense ratio: 0.03% for VOO. Extremely low costs for core market exposure.
• Ideal for: Investors who want a simple, dependable core holding in their portfolio.

In addition, VOO complements both growth and dividend-focused ETFs, serving as a cornerstone for a balanced portfolio while capturing the performance of the overall U.S. economy.

Furthermore, because these ETFs are highly liquid, they offer flexibility for buying or selling without significantly impacting price, making them suitable for both new and experienced investors.

3. Best Growth ETF: Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ)

If you’re seeking growth and exposure to the most innovative companies, QQQ is a top pick. It tracks the Nasdaq-100, which includes leading technology and consumer companies such as Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia, giving you access to fast-growing sectors in one fund.

• Why buy? QQQ is perfect for investors willing to embrace higher volatility for the potential of higher long-term returns.
• Expense ratio: 0.20%. Relatively low considering the growth potential.
• Ideal for: Risk-tolerant investors seeking exposure to tech and innovation.

Moreover, QQQ can complement a core ETF like VTI, adding a growth layer to your portfolio while keeping your overall diversification balanced.

4. Best Dividend ETF: Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG)

For those prioritizing income and stability, VIG focuses on companies with a strong history of increasing dividends over time. This approach provides both steady cash flow and long-term growth, making it a reliable choice for conservative investors.

• Why buy? VIG offers a balance of income and stability, with companies that have proven their resilience through consistent dividend growth.
• Expense ratio: 0.06%. This is very low for a dividend-focused ETF.
• Ideal for: Income-focused investors and retirees seeking dependable dividends.

In addition, VIG works well alongside growth ETFs, providing a counterbalance to higher-risk investments in your portfolio.

5. Best International ETF: iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX)

If you want to diversify internationally, one of the best ETFs to buy is ACWX that provides exposure to developed and emerging markets outside the U.S. It’s an easy way to capture global growth opportunities while reducing reliance on a single economy.

• Why buy? ACWX helps spread risk globally and can take advantage of opportunities in markets that may outperform the U.S. at different times.
• Expense ratio: 0.32%. Reasonable for international diversification.
• Ideal for: Investors looking to broaden their portfolio globally and reduce domestic concentration.

Furthermore, ACWX can act as a stabilizing layer, complementing U.S.-focused ETFs like VTI or QQQ while capturing international growth.

6. Best Bond ETF: iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG)

For investors seeking stability and income, AGG is a go-to bond ETF. It tracks the total U.S. investment-grade bond market, offering lower volatility compared to stocks.

• Why buy? AGG provides portfolio stability, regular interest income, and a counterbalance to equities.
• Expense ratio: 0.03%. Very low for bond exposure.
• Ideal for: Conservative investors or those nearing retirement seeking reduced risk.

Additionally, AGG pairs well with stock ETFs, acting as a cushion during market downturns while still generating income.

7. Best Thematic ETF: Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ)

For investors looking for thematic, high-growth opportunities, BOTZ focuses on robotics and AI companies. It captures innovation in industries expected to expand rapidly in the coming years.

• Why buy? BOTZ provides exposure to cutting-edge technologies with strong growth potential, allowing you to participate in future trends.
• Expense ratio: 0.69%. Higher than broad market ETFs, but justified by the specialized focus.
• Ideal for: Risk-tolerant investors seeking targeted exposure to robotics and AI innovation.

Moreover, BOTZ can be a small tactical addition to your diversified portfolio, complementing broader ETFs while giving you exposure to high-growth sectors.

Tips for Building Your ETF Portfolio

Knowing the best ETFs to buy is only the first step. Here’s how to put them into action:

1. Start with a core holding – Use broad market ETFs like VTI or VOO as the foundation.
2. Add growth or income layers – Depending on your goals, add QQQ for growth or VIG for dividends.
3. Include global exposure – Add an international ETF to diversify beyond the U.S.
4. Balance with bonds – Use AGG or another bond ETF for stability.
5. Sprinkle in themes carefully – Limit thematic ETFs like BOTZ to a small percentage of your portfolio.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Chasing performance – Don’t buy an ETF just because it went up last year.
• Over-diversifying – Too many ETFs can make your portfolio messy and redundant.
• Ignoring costs – Expense ratios matter a lot in the long run.
• Forgetting your goals – Always align your ETFs with your personal financial plan.

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The Best ETFs to Buy Today

So, what are the best ETFs to buy? The truth is that the answer will always depend on your personal financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. For example, if you value simplicity and broad diversification above everything else, then ETFs like VTI or VOO are excellent starting points, since they give you exposure to the overall U.S. stock market. On the other hand, if you crave higher potential returns and are willing to embrace more risk in exchange for growth, then adding QQQ to your portfolio can give you that extra firepower, especially with its heavy focus on technology and innovation.

Meanwhile, if your priority is generating steady income while maintaining stability, dividend-focused ETFs such as VIG can deliver consistent cash flow along with long-term reliability. Finally, for those who understand the importance of not putting all their eggs in one basket, international ETFs like ACWX can provide global exposure, balancing out your portfolio and ensuring you aren’t solely dependent on U.S. markets.

With all of that in mind, the bottom line is clear: ETFs are incredibly powerful investment tools, but, just like any other tool, they are most effective when you use them strategically. That means beginning with clear financial goals, aligning your ETF choices with your specific time horizon, and reminding yourself that long-term consistency almost always matters more than chasing short-term trends.

With discipline, patience, and a well-thought-out strategy, ETFs can become the foundation for financial security and freedom.

With love and financial empowerment,

E