In Bootcamp #8, we dive into the most influential financial tools invented over the past 100 years—from target-date funds to index investing. These tools have revolutionized how everyday investors build wealth. But no tool is perfect. We'll explore their limitations and show you how to refine them within a DIY investing framework—enhancing your long-term future.


Why These Tools are Battlefield-Proven

Target-date funds, index ETFs, and diversified portfolios have reshaped retirement investing.



Limitations Every Investor Should Know

Hidden costs, lack of customization, and behavioral leakage can undermine growth.


How DIY Investors Can Improve Them

Use low-cost ETFs, rebalance smartly, and add small-cap value for diversification beyond the market average.


What Is the 2 Funds for Life Strategy?

The “2 Funds for Life” approach combines a target date retirement fund with a small-cap value fund. This blend gives investors a simple, diversified, and evidence-based portfolio that historically improves long-term performance while managing risk. It’s an ideal solution for 401(k) investors, young professionals, and anyone looking to minimize investment decisions without sacrificing returns.


Why It Works

This strategy is backed by decades of research in asset allocation, behavioral finance, and long-term market performance. By combining the broad diversification of target date funds with the high-return potential of small-cap value, you get a low-maintenance plan that’s built to weather market ups and downs — while potentially outperforming traditional portfolios.


The Lifetime Investment calculator will be updated through end of 2024 by end of September