Getting started with investing can feel a little scary.
There are thousands of shares to choose from, and knowing which companies to buy is not always easy.
That is why I think exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a great place for beginners to start.
Here are three Vanguard ETFs I would consider for someone looking to build their wealth over the long term.
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Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)
I think one of the easiest ways to start investing is by owning a selection of Australia's leading businesses.
That is what the VAS ETF offers. The fund tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO), giving investors exposure to 300 companies listed on the Australian share market.
This includes businesses across banking, mining, healthcare, retail, and other industries.
For a beginner, I like the simplicity of that approach. Rather than trying to work out which Australian bank or mining share will perform best, investors can own a broad collection of businesses through one investment.
The fund also offers the potential for regular dividend income, including franking credits, which could be valuable as an investment portfolio grows.
Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
Once investors have exposure to Australia, I think the next step worth considering is looking overseas. After all, Australia represents only a small part of the global share market.
The VGS ETF makes international investing straightforward by providing exposure to around 1,300 stocks across developed markets.
That includes businesses operating in the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
I particularly like the access this provides to industries that are less prominent on the ASX.
For example, many of the world's leading software, semiconductor, and technology businesses are listed overseas. Through the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF, beginners can participate in long-term growth without having to identify individual winners.
There is also the benefit of spreading investments across multiple economies, although the fund still has significant exposure to the United States.
Overall, I think this Vanguard ETF could be an excellent long-term holding, particularly alongside an Australian shares ETF.
Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG)
My final pick is for beginners who want to keep things simple. The VDHG ETF effectively provides a ready-made investment portfolio.
It combines Australian shares, international shares, emerging markets, smaller companies, and bonds in a single fund.
That means investors can get broad diversification without needing to choose several ETFs and work out how much money to put into each.
Vanguard also handles the rebalancing, helping maintain the fund's intended investment mix over time. I think that convenience could be valuable for someone who is just starting out.
The VDHG ETF targets approximately 90% in growth assets and 10% in defensive assets. It is therefore designed for investors with a long investment horizon who can tolerate substantial share market movements.
For a beginner who wants to invest regularly and spend less time managing their portfolio, I think this Vanguard ETF is well worth considering.
Foolish takeaway
I think getting started is often the hardest part of investing.
These Vanguard ETFs offer relatively straightforward ways to build a diversified portfolio without needing to become an expert at picking individual shares.
For beginners who are prepared to invest regularly and think long term, I believe any of these could be a great place to start.
