3-Line Summary Prediction is fragile; rules are durable. Low‑cost index funds + broad diversification + simple rebalancing win over time. Fees compound against you—0.10% matters over decades. Check expense ratio and tracking error first. Automate contributions, set an allocation, and rebalance annually or at a 5–10 pt drift. That's the system you can hold.   My Journey: From Stock Picking to Bogle's Philosophy I'll be honest—I didn't start as a Bogle believer. Like many investors, I began by picking individual stocks, analyzing charts, and following financial news religiously. For nearly two years, I spent hours each day researching companies, trying to time the market, and constantly second-guessing my decisions. The wake-up call came during the 2022 market downturn. Despite all my research and "careful" stock selection, my portfolio was down significantly more than the broader market. Meanwhile, my friend who simply bought and held a few...