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ETF Portfolio Styles

by Eduek Brooks | Financial Educator
Jul 11, 2025
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Let’s be honest, a lot of y’all are holding way too many ETFs and still not getting the returns you should.

 

And it’s not your fault. You’ve been listening to every finance influencer on your timeline, collecting tickers like they’re Pokémon cards, and now your portfolio is out here looking like a hedge fund.

 

Here's the thing: ETFs are pre-packaged securities, and the person who puts them together has a goal for that ETF and a specific type of investor in mind.

 

Before you choose any ETF, your first question should always be "What is the goal of this ETF, and does it fit my goal and specific investing style?"

 

Once you know your investing style, building a profitable ETF portfolio gets a whole lot easier.

 

So today, I want to break down four portfolio styles you can use to keep your investing clean, simple, and make tons of money.

 

Let's get into it.

 

The One-Fund Portfolio
This is for the girlie who likes to keep things super simple and does not like stress. If you’re the type who can eat the same lunch five days in a row and not get bored, this one’s for you.

 

A one-fund portfolio uses a single asset-allocation ETF that’s already diversified based on your risk tolerance. These asset-allocation ETFs already have a mix of equity and fixed income assets, they contain stocks from various industires and from companies all over the world.

 

With a one-fund portfolio, all you need is just one fund and they don't need to paired with any other ETF. You don’t have to worry about rebalancing or picking multiple funds, just set it, automate your contributions, and let it grow....that's literally it!

 

Examples:

  • ZGRO (BMO Growth ETF) for moderately aggressive investors

  • ZBAL (BMO Balanced ETF) for moderate risk

  • VCIP (Vanguard Conservative Income) for low risk

  • VEQT, XEQT, or ZEQT for those who want all equities and don’t care about bonds

Pick one and leave the rest alone.

 

The Two-Fund Portfolio
If you want a bit more customization but still want to keep things simple, a two-fund portfolio gives you flexibility without the overwhelm. 

 

This is for the girlie who likes to mix things up a bit but doesn’t want to do too much. She’ll drive without a GPS...unless she’s running late for work because she can’t risk clocking in late.

 

In a two-fund porfolio, you pair an all-equity ETF with a bond ETF, and then adjust the ratio based on your risk tolerance. It gives you more control than a one-fund portfolio without requiring constant management.

 

Examples:

  • Equity: VEQT, XEQT, or ZEQT

  • Bonds: ZAG, VGAB, or XBB

For an aggressive risk tolerance, you can pair 80% ZEQT with 20% ZAG.

 

The Three-Fund Portfolio
Now we’re getting into a more hands-on approach. This is for the girlie who gets bored easily, always has a new hobby, and is already planning her next solo trip.

 

Instead of relying on a pre-built fund, you curate your own growth portfolio with three components:

  1. A Canadian Equity ETF

  2. A U.S. Equity ETF

  3. An International Equity ETF

 

You’re skipping bonds here, which means this setup is best for someone with a longer time horizon and a very aggressive risk tolerance.

 

Examples:

  • VCN, ZCN or XIC for Canada

  • VUN, XUU, or ZACE for the U.S.

  • VIU, XEF, or ZEA for international

This structure gives you exposure to global markets while keeping your portfolio tight and intentional.

 

The Four-Fund Portfolio
This is for the girlie who meal preps on Sunday but ends up ordering Uber Eats by Thursday. She wants growth and structure, but isn't afraid to step out of her comfort zone for a little adventure.

 

The four-fund setup includes:

  1. A Canadian Equity ETF

  2. A U.S. Equity ETF

  3. An International Equity ETF

  4. A Bond ETF

 

It offers the most control over your asset allocation and can help you fine-tune your portfolio for better long-term returns.

 

Examples:

  • Canada: VCN, XIC, or ZCN

  • U.S.: VUN, XUU, or ZACE

  • International: VIU, XEF, or ZEA

  • Bonds: ZAG, VAB, or XBB

If at any point, you're no longer feeling the bonds, you can always get rid of them and become a three-fund girlie...that's what I did!

 

So what’s your portfolio style?
One-fund girlie who likes to set it and forget it?
Two-fund queen who likes a little balance?
Three-fund spice gal who’s here for the thrill?
Or a four-fund Type-A babe who wants full control?

 

Reply and let me know!

 

Regarldess of your portfolio style, here’s the only rule: don’t mix styles.

 

One of the biggest mistakes I see is people trying to combine too many approaches. If you’re holding XEQT, ZBAL, VFV, and QQQ… it’s giving confusion, not diversification.

 

Once you find your portfolio style, stick to it and if you do change your mind later, make sure to readjust your portfolio to match your current style.

 

And if you want step-by-step help building your perfect portfolio, come join me on July 24th for the Invest Your First $1K Masterclass. I’ll walk you through my profitable portfolio formula, show you exactly what ETFs to hold. If you show up live, you'll get my Risk Calculator for free and I'll even audit your portfolio live if you stay until the end.

Save your seat 

 

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