What's a good strategy for relatively short term, (<10 year), returns?

[dvorak]

Hopefully this isn't too much of a necro (the thread is on page 2) but IMO anything over 5-7 years is long term enough that stocks are the way to go. That means broad market index funds. I would also have somewhere between 0 and 40% in an international index fund depending on exactly how much of a real 'merican you are. Then whatever you decide contribute regularly (ie. set up auto contributions), turn on auto-re-invest, and then ignore it.

I also think "emergency funds" are for retards. You are essentially paying the inflation tax on several thousand dollars for no reason. You should be able to absorb any immediate emergencies on credit that gives you a 1-2 month window to cover them interest free either just via your income or temporarily pausing your investment contributions. Sure have a few hundred in cash at your house but any "emergency" fund at a financial institution is dumb.

Anyway, I'm going to use the vanguard funds as they're what I'm familiar with for the tl;dr:
1 brain cell: 100% VTWAX
2 brain cells: 66%/33% split VTSAX / VTIAX
america brain cells / I trust warren buffet implicitly: 100% VTSAX

How much does capital gains take out using this strategy? I'm assuming less than what inflation has been as of late, but that could always change.

 

[SCV]

How much does capital gains take out using this strategy? I'm assuming less than what inflation has been as of late, but that could always change.

I think you have a mis-understanding because this question doesn't really make sense. Any "strategy" is subject to capital gains at the same rate and I don't think you can meaningfully compare capital gains to inflation.

Capital gains only apply to the difference between the price you paid and price you sold at, 15% if you held for over a year or it's treated as normal income. Inflation applies to all your money not just gains but it's not like if you didn't invest it somehow wouldn't be affected.

 

[Tom Nook's Gloryhole]

Put your entire life savings in bitcoin then go to prison for 10 years.