I invested a very small sum (less than $100) into VTI as my first purchase. I want to make my portfolio relatively safe. I'm still in my 20's so I'm okay with risk. I have some more funds I can invest but I'm not sure what to go with. I believe I'd want to an international index fund next, along with bonds?

So the first thing I'd like some clarification on is the $6k limit with Roth IRAs. Is this the total amount you're allowed to contribute or the max allowed to earn back on in gains?

The next thing is that I was told by my partner maxing out a Roth is a worse option than splitting my investments between a Roth and a brokerage because I won't earn back as much.