JL Collins: A Simple Path to Wealth with Vanguard and Renting

Saturday, Sep 13, 2025 7:28 am ET1min read

Renowned financial educator JL Collins, known as the "Godfather of Financial Independence," advises young people to invest in Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares and rent instead of buying a home. Collins emphasizes that investing in this fund provides broad exposure to the US stock market with a low expense ratio, and renting allows for flexibility in career choices. Collins' straightforward approach and real-world experience have earned him recognition as a foundational figure in the FIRE movement.

Astronics Corporation (ATRO) reported robust performance in its Aerospace segment for the second quarter of 2025, with revenues reaching $193.6 million, a 9.4% increase from the prior-year quarter. This growth was primarily driven by strong sales in the commercial transport and military aircraft markets Astronics' Aerospace Segment Gains Strength on Rising Demand[1].

The company's Aerospace segment contributed significantly to its 3.3% total revenue growth, with increasing demand for cabin power and in-flight entertainment & connectivity (IFEC) products boosting commercial transport sales. Resilient defense activity also bolstered sales of lighting and safety products for military aircraft Astronics' Aerospace Segment Gains Strength on Rising Demand[1].

Looking ahead, the International Air Transport Association projects global air travel demand to expand by 5.8% year over year in 2025, which should drive investments in cabin upgrades and in-flight connectivity. This favorable trend is expected to benefit Astronics’ core commercial aerospace offerings Astronics' Aerospace Segment Gains Strength on Rising Demand[1].

In July 2025, Astronics acquired Envoy Aerospace for $8 million. This acquisition will enhance the company's regulatory expertise and facilitate faster certification of new technologies, aiding its aerospace product development Astronics' Aerospace Segment Gains Strength on Rising Demand[1].

Astronics' stock has gained 113% in the past year, outperforming the industry's 33.3% growth. The company's shares are currently trading at a discount, with a forward 12-month Price/Sales ratio of 1.58X compared to the industry's average of 9.66X. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ATRO's near-term earnings has improved over the past 60 days, and the stock currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) Astronics' Aerospace Segment Gains Strength on Rising Demand[1].

In the broader commercial aerospace industry, RTX Corporation (RTX) and The Boeing Company (BA) are also making notable progress. RTX’s Collins Aerospace began providing JetBlue with its FlightAware Foresight predictive analytics platform in August 2025, enhancing operational efficiency. Boeing received significant commercial aircraft orders in September 2025, further strengthening its market position Astronics' Aerospace Segment Gains Strength on Rising Demand[1].

JL Collins: A Simple Path to Wealth with Vanguard and Renting

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