How should I allocate my investments from ages 30-39:
In your 30s, your financial situation and goals may evolve, so it's important to reassess your investment strategy. Here's a guide on how you might allocate your investments during this stage of life:
​
-
Review and Update Financial Goals:
-
Take stock of your financial situation and reassess your short-term and long-term goals. This might include goals such as buying a home, starting a family, or saving for your children's education.
-
Consider how your goals may have changed since your 20s and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.
-
-
Continue Building Your Emergency Fund:
-
Make sure your emergency fund is fully funded, covering at least 3 to 6 months' worth of living expenses. As your financial responsibilities grow, having a robust emergency fund becomes even more crucial.
-
-
Maximize Retirement Contributions:
-
Continue contributing to retirement accounts such as a 401(k), IRA, or similar plans offered by your employer.
-
Aim to increase your contributions as your income grows to take advantage of tax benefits and compound interest over time.
-
Consider diversifying your retirement accounts to include both traditional (pre-tax) and Roth (after-tax) options for tax diversification in retirement.
-
Refer to Best Online IRA Accounts for great options.​
-
-
-
Balance Risk and Diversification:
-
Review your asset allocation and make adjustments based on your risk tolerance and time horizon. While you may still have a long investing horizon in your 30s, you may want to start gradually reducing your exposure to high-risk assets (e.g. individual stocks, sector specific ETFs) and increasing allocation to more stable investments.
-
Maintain a diversified portfolio across different asset classes, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and possibly alternative investments like commodities or REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts).
-
-
Consider Homeownership:
-
If you haven't already purchased a home and it aligns with your financial goals, consider allocating some of your investments towards a down payment.
-
Evaluate the costs associated with homeownership, including interest rates, mortgage payments, property taxes, and maintenance, to ensure it fits within your budget.
-
-
Regularly Rebalance Your Portfolio:
-
Review your investment portfolio periodically to rebalance it back to your target asset allocation.
-
Reassess your risk tolerance and financial goals as life circumstances change, and adjust your portfolio accordingly.
-
-
Continue Educating Yourself:
-
Stay informed about financial markets, investment trends, and personal finance strategies. Consider expanding your investment knowledge through books, courses, or professional advice.
-
-
Prioritize Debt Repayment:
-
If you have outstanding debt, such as student loans or credit card debt, prioritize debt repayment while balancing it with your investment goals.
-
Consider paying off high-interest debt first before focusing on other financial goals.
-
​
Remember that your investment strategy should be personalized based on your unique financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance. Consider consulting with a financial advisor or opening your own account at one of the providers listed within: Best Online Trading Platforms, Best Automated (Robo-Advisor) Platforms or Best Online IRA Accounts.