<prompt> Human: Is there a way to buy index funds without a waiting period? Like as if it were in individual stockIt seems like every time I buy from vanguard there is a several day period before the funds clear. Just buying vtsmxWith the drop in the market yesterday it had me thinking of putting some extra cash in but it would take till probably Monday before I actually bought the funds Yeah yeah yeah dont time the market yadda yadda but I was curious Thanks  <response>: There is no wait period in the first place unless your account is somehow restricted due to prior violations. As soon as you start the bank transfer, you can already buy a mutual fund. The bank transfer settles next day, just in time to pay the mutual fund that also settles next day. Alternatively, you can buy a mutual fund and choose your checking account as funding source.The holdingwait period could be for withdrawal. Vanguard imposes a 7 days hold on withdrawals to money that came in via bank transfer or checks. 