Or just google "Bogle 3 funds" and your see the only 2 or 3 index funds you'd need for life. (Tip: mostly an all stock market fund, as much bond fund you need for comfort and an international fund if you like the mix and/or feel the US stock market is over inflated).

My short answer is that there's no need to buy multiple index funds, unless you want separate stock vs. bond funds, or REIT funds, or tax-managed funds. Index funds are, by definition, already spread out, so you'd likely be buying different buckets of the same things.

Anyway, your question is a good one, but it suggests that you would really benefit from taking a couple of days and, along with your spouse, if applicable, reading the entire J.L. Collins Stock Series. Read ALL of it. Then you'll better understand what to do:

http://jlcollinsnh.com/stock-series/

No need to spread it out just do a total stock market index.

If you are thoughtful about how you are spreading, yes. If you are young and spreading willy-nilly, don't. Put it all in a total stock market index fund for the next decade or so.

Spread.

For a beginner in index funds, so you recommend starting with one fund, or spreading smaller amounts of money over two or three?