35 minutes to riches

It's Money Magazine's 35th anniversary. In its honor, here are 47 smart ways to get on track to a rich life.

By Asa Fitch, Amanda Gengler, Josh Hyatt and Ismat Sarah Mangla

Target-Date Retirement Money 70 Funds
Vanguard	Stocks	Bonds	Cash
Vanguard 2015 (VTXVX)	65%	34%	1%
Vanguard 2045 (VTXVX)	88%	10%	2%
T. Rowe Price
T. Rowe Price 2015 (TRRGX)	71%	21%	8%
T. Rowe Price 2045 (TRRKX)	89%	6%	5%

More Money 70 target funds

10 of 41

Buy a forever portfolio

Time it takes: 25 minutes

Putting together a complete fund portfolio was once a time consuming chore. Nowadays target-date funds, which adjust the stock and bond allocation to smooth returns as you near a "target" retirement year, do it for you in minutes. Many 401(k)s offer them.

For direct investments, use the low-cost options from Vanguard (800-851-4999) or T. Rowe Price (800-638-5660). At vanguard.com, click on the tab labeled Research Funds and Stocks. Find the fund that corresponds to your planned retirement year, then download and look over the prospectus. Next click on the Buy This Fund link and follow the instructions. Have your checkbook ready to deposit funds electronically.

Best target-retirement funds

Money 70 best funds: Full list

Credit score Raise your credit score Triple the return on savings Stop junk mail Freeze your credit Cut your credit rate Upgrade to a better card Add to your 401(k) Asset Allocation Buy a forever portfolio Find promising funds Track returns Check salary Retirement plan Life insurance Tax bracket Escape late fees Write bounce-proof checks Auto insurance Double-check your taxes Keep more of your paycheck Tax break for day care Pay less for your cell Cut drug costs No more waiting rooms Burn calories Be like Buffett Save for college Automate your savings Get credit, even in a crunch Read your mortgage Save on your mortgage Create an insurance record Curb impulse buys Spend consciously Slash recurring charges Boost your mileage Find it cheaper online Demand a lower cable bill Save on drinking water 35-second solutions

35th Anniversary

5 money dreams - a reality

For baby boomers, five cherished lifetime goals. And five smart game plans for making them come true. (more)

Your financial future - the next 35 years

Eight noted thinkers, from Vanguard founder John Bogle to tech futurist Ray Kurzweil, weigh in on what's ahead for investing, real estate, health care, work and more. (more)

How boomers really feel

Money Magazine's survey of nearly 3,000 boomers found that they are reinventing the American dream. (more)