For investors looking to build wealth over time, Vanguard ETFs offer a compelling approach through dollar-cost averaging. By investing $1,000 monthly regardless of market conditions, investors can smooth out their cost basis and avoid the common pitfall of trying to time the market.

Two Vanguard funds stand out for long-term investors: the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) and the Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The S&P 500 fund has delivered impressive returns, averaging 15.5% annually over the past decade and 21.1% in the last three years. The Growth ETF, with its heavy weighting toward tech and AI stocks, has outperformed even further, returning 18% annually over ten years and 27.7% in the past three.

Both funds provide diversified exposure to the market, with the S&P 500 tracking the 500 largest U.S. companies and the Growth ETF focusing on companies with above-average earnings growth potential. This strategy of consistent, long-term investing in quality index funds remains one of the most reliable paths to building wealth, regardless of short-term market fluctuations.