Vanguard is one of the gold standards when it comes to low-cost exchange-traded fund (ETF) options. Undoubtedly, passive investing (typically with index funds) tends to be wildly popular among the retail crowd.

What's the smartest way to invest $500 right now? Check out a robust Vanguard ETF focused on strong dividends and deep-discount stock valuations.

If you're looking for a simple way to generate wealth in the stock market with little effort, you can't go wrong with an exchange-traded fund (ETF). ETFs trade like stocks, meaning you can buy individual shares.

Its smart to seek income from your investments -- whether it's because you need that income to support yourself in retirement, or whether you want to use it to invest in more stocks. It's also a fine idea to seek that passive income from exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that are focused on dividend-paying shares.