For investors seeking straightforward long-term holdings, State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust offers broad market exposure at minimal cost. With over $700 billion in assets, this fund tracks the S&P 500 index, which has delivered an average 10% annual return over the past 50 years. A $1,000 investment could grow to over $117,000 in five decades.

iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF takes a different approach, focusing on companies with consistent dividend growth. The fund screens for businesses that have increased dividends for at least five years while excluding high-yielders and those with excessive payout ratios. This strategy has historically outperformed non-dividend payers, delivering 10.2% annualized returns compared to 6.8% for companies maintaining steady dividends.

The third option, Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF, provides fixed-income exposure through a diversified portfolio of U.S. investment-grade bonds. While offering lower returns than equity-focused funds, it serves as a portfolio stabilizer during market volatility. Together, these three ETFs create a simple yet diversified foundation for long-term wealth building without the need for frequent trading or market timing.