I have seen several posts before mentioning Vanguard funds but didn't see the answers when I searched. I am wondering if you have to set up an account through Vanguard or can the funds be bought through E*TRADE? Also are there any particular funds or indexes you guys recommend out of the many Vanguard options available?

I am 48 with a few years until I can comfortably say I am fully retired and feel like I have enough money socked away for the rest of my life. I need to get my current nest egg working for me.

Thanks for any suggestions.

In my opinion, if you have less than $750K to invest, I�d recommend using a robo-advisor

More than that, I�d interview a few CFP�s and select one to manage your investments

These are the highest recommended of their 129 (I think) funds. Shows 1,3 5, and 10 year return. YOU decide on the risk (high or low). I have always gone with the high risk and have done very well. Can't go wrong with investing with Vanguard.
https://investor.vanguard.com/mutual-funds/list#/select-funds/asset-class/month-end-returns

I would set up your account through Vanguard. They have some of the lowest fees and everybody I know has done pretty well through them.

I buy it through my TD Ameritrade account. I buy their small cap etf every month.

My financial advisor told me this 20 years ago, I have 80% of all my retirement in them, they simply do their research before they put their money into something. They look for little things like do they have automated lighting, and heat and energy systems.

we went thru Dave Ramsey's program and found a local financial advisor

https://www.daveramsey.com/smartvestor?ictid=HKDWD2241

Vanguard is one of the recommendations...American Funds class A have shown a good return...makes a nice mix

You guess know a a lot more than I do . I have a 457b through work , it's not earning very much ( around 3% ). Should I stop this and start somewhere else?

Buy them through vanguard. I think you have to have a minimum of 3000 to open an account. I own a variety of funds through them, but I favor their Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares and their target retirement accounts like Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Fund Investor Shares (adjust the target date based on when you are looking to retire).

Call them up if you have questions, I've always had awesome experiences with their customer service and investment advisers. The magic to vanguard is that you get great no nonsense funds ultra cheap.

IF, you have some money in a brick and mortar bank savings account making .1% interest, move a chunk of it to Online banking like Marcus or Discover. Marcus for example is paying 1.8% interest and your money is easy to get if you need it for an emergency. A $100K account for example is $180 every month cha ching and there is no risk. None. FDIC insured and easy to bring it back. Go to "bankrate.com" and you can find some avenues. The less risk in Vanguard funds is less interest gained.

Google Boglehead three fund portfolio. It will give you the funds you seek from Vanguard, Fidelity or Schwab. Funds for total market, bond and international should you want it.

I do all my investing through vanguard. Great company.

+1 for this. Not something you'll get rich off of obviously but if you keep some money in savings, I would definitely look into this. I opened an account with Marcus several months ago. Good choice

Yes, Marcus is a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs. Name recognition and good rating. Discover online, also a good choice.

Setting up an account with Vanguard is simple and free.
I would go Vanguard Index 500 for long term leave it and let it grow.
For short term I would use their Index small caps or one of their medical funds. These have really performed well the past year. I think the index medical is a great long term also.

Vanguards fees are extremely low and no load. You can also use a Vanguard advisor for a small fee. We used one there for years and were never lead the wrong way.

Also I would not move any money into a 2.5 or 3% online CD. It is absurd to put money into a locked up account at 3% for 5 years when you can put it in safe funds like the index 500 and make 8 to 10%. Also you can move your money if you don�t like how it is going you can move it. With a CD you are locked into the time,period or you lose the interest and with most pay a penalty.