Five themes will be critical to investor success in 2015, according to Vanguard CEO Bill McNabb.

In a Jan. 22 open letter McNabb writes Vanguard is focused squarely on investors in what he calls this post-great-financial-crisis era. While investors receive what he calls a crosscurrent of market information, Vanguard plans to focus on five important themes.

First, Vanguard is encouraging investors to save more and maintain a balanced and diversified portfolio. Vanguard believes savings rates need to be between 12 and 15 percent of income (including employer match) to ensure an adequate retirement.

Second, the firm is recognizing they and other investment providers should lower the cost and complexity of investing to make it easier and less costly. McNabb says investors are goal-oriented and want clear paths to those goals.

Third, McNabb suggests building on the strengths of the U.S. retirement system. McNabb believes while the system is often criticized and faces challenges, the focus should be on improving savings rates in defined contribution plans and encouraging greater balance and diversification in participants’ portfolios.

Fourth, McNabb says a healthy and diversified economy must maintain both a stable banking system and vibrant capital markets, as both systems are essential to the economy’s health.

Fifth, look for Vanguard to reach out more. McNabb says corporate boards and mutual fund firms must engage on issues of corporate governance. With nearly half of all households investing in mutual funds, fund firms must include investors in dialogue. The entire open letter is at