Index mutual funds are created to match or track the components of a market index, and because of this, they often combine broad market exposure with low portfolio turnover and expenses. Vanguard has dozens of index funds, but here, we highlight some appropriate ones for beginning investors, all which have a $3,000 minimum initial investment. To qualify for Admiral Shares, investors in most index funds and tax-managed funds must maintain a minimum investment of $10,000. For actively managed funds, one must have at least $50,000 invested. Vanguard 500 Index (VFIAX) Expenses: 0.04% Minimum Investment: $3,000 To get your portfolio started with Vanguard index funds, there’s arguably no better choice than Vanguard’s flagship index