Deciding on the right asset mix is an important part of investing and planning for your future. Your asset mix should:
-
Help you balance
risk with your expected rate of
return on your investments
-
Fit your comfort level for risk
-
Enable you to get your money when you need it
-
Help you get the growth you need to reach your goals
-
Change as your needs and goals change over time.
How does my stage in life change the way I invest?
Your age and life situation can play a big role in your choices. If you are about to get married, you might need your money to buy a home. If you’re in your 40s, you may be saving for retirement or your kids’ education.
We’ve created some sample asset mixes to show you how some people invest at different stages of life. Note that personal factors will help you determine the amount of risk and the mix of assets that would work best for you.
If I am in my early working years, what investment mix may be right for me?
If you’re just starting to work, you may not have a lot of savings. Still, time is on your side. For this reason, many people at this stage are willing to take more risks when making long-term investments. View a sample portfolio now.
If I am in my middle years, what investment mix may be right for me?
You may be earning more than ever, and you may also have a lot more responsibilities, including:
Some people are in second marriages with younger children or they may have lost a spouse and be on their own for the first time in many years. If this is you, you may want to shift your investments more toward safety. View a sample portfolio now.
If I am in my retirement years, what mix of investments may be right for me?
Older investors usually move their investments gradually over to safer, guaranteed investments. They want to protect their savings because they’ll need to live on their investments after they retire. They may also prefer investments that create a steady, reliable stream of income. View a sample portfolio now.