Supply, demand, simplicity, and education all play a role in the current financial landscape.

In the 1970s, the internet was non-existent, and purchasing stocks was a complex process. Individuals had to contact a broker to buy and sell funds, which came with a fee. These fees significantly reduced the buying power of investors, especially those with smaller investments.

In contrast, today, we have fractional shares, free trades, mobile phones, and user-friendly apps that make investing in funds incredibly easy. We can now “stack” into the SP 500 with minimal effort.

Additionally, there has been a significant increase in workplace education about 401(k) plans and company matching investments. A match is essentially an instant profit as long as an employee remains with the company for the specified investment period.

Comparing the financial landscape of the 1970s to today is like comparing apples to oranges. The current situation offers far greater opportunities and convenience for investors.