A decade is a useful timeframe for investors.
It is long enough for compounding to do meaningful work, but close enough to make the goal feel real.
If I were trying to build wealth by 2036, I would want a portfolio that is simple, diversified, and focused on long-term growth rather than short-term market noise.
Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be a good way to do that. They offer broad exposure, low costs, and the ability to invest across thousands of companies without needing to pick every winner.
Three Vanguard ETFs I would consider are named in this article.
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Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
The first ETF I would buy is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF. It gives investors exposure to a large basket of global shares across developed markets outside Australia.
That is useful because the ASX is only a small part of the global share market. Australia has some excellent companies, but it is also heavily weighted toward banks and miners. The VGS ETF can help investors access many of the world's biggest businesses across technology, healthcare, consumer goods, financials, industrials, and more. This includes Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft.
I like the fund because it gives investors a broad way to benefit from global innovation and corporate earnings growth over time.
There will be market downturns along the way. But if the global economy is larger in 2036 than it is today, I think a diversified global share ETF has a good chance of being a strong wealth builder.
Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)
The second ETF I would consider is the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF.
This fund provides exposure to a broad range of Australian shares, including large companies such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), and Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL).
I think this ETF can play an important role in a portfolio because Australian shares offer something different from global shares.
The local market has a strong dividend culture, and many companies pay franked dividends. That income can be reinvested while an investor is building wealth, helping the portfolio grow over time.
It may not be the fastest-growing ETF on the ASX, but I think it can be a strong foundation holding for investors who want broad exposure to the local market.
Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG)
The final ETF I would look at is the Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF.
It is a ready-made diversified portfolio in one fund. It provides exposure to Australian shares, international shares, emerging markets, and a small allocation to defensive assets.
That makes it appealing for investors who want simplicity.
Instead of deciding how much to put into Australian shares, global shares, emerging markets, and bonds, the VDHG ETF does much of that work inside one ETF.
The fund is still growth-focused, so it will move with share markets. But it also gives investors a wide spread of assets, which can reduce reliance on any single country or sector.
For someone aiming to build wealth by 2036, I think it could work well as a core holding or as a simple all-in-one option.
Foolish Takeaway
Building wealth by 2036 does not require a complicated portfolio. In fact, I think simplicity can be a major advantage.
There will be downturns, corrections, and years when returns disappoint. But for investors who keep adding money, reinvest income, and stay focused on the long term, these three Vanguard ETFs could be strong tools for building wealth over the next decade.
