The point of index-based investing is that you don't have to do the work to find individual stocks. Instead, you can invest in the broad market through the S&P 500, either via a mutual fund or ETF, which is a basket of securities. Instead of buying technology, energy and financial stocks and more individually, you can get them all at once via the index. Keep in mind that the S&P 500 shouldn't make up your whole portfolio. It's important to have diversification in your stock portfolio, and that includes small-and mid-cap and international stocks as well. And if you're in need of investment advice, you can always seek out a financial advisor for help.