How should I allocate my investments at ages 60+:
In your 60s and as you near retirement, it's generally advisable to adjust your investment strategy to prioritize capital preservation and income generation while still aiming for some growth to outpace inflation. Here's a general guideline on how to allocate your investments:
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Diversification:
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Maintain a diversified portfolio across asset classes to mitigate risk. This typically includes a mix of stocks, bonds, cash, and possibly alternative investments like real estate or commodities.
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Stocks:
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Reduce your exposure to equities as you near retirement to lower volatility. Consider shifting from high-risk growth stocks to more stable dividend-paying stocks or index funds.
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A common rule of thumb is to gradually decrease your stock allocation and increase your bond allocation.
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Bonds:
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Increase your allocation to bonds (or bond ETFs are great options for less sophisticated investors) for income and capital preservation. Focus on high-quality bonds with shorter maturities to reduce interest rate risk, or highly rated bond ETF from large financial institutions.
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Cash and Cash Equivalents:
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Maintain a portion of your portfolio in cash or cash equivalents like money market funds for liquidity and emergencies, while providing interest earnings. This provides stability and flexibility in case you need to access funds quickly without selling assets at a loss.
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Income Investments:
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Consider allocating a portion of your portfolio to income-generating investments such as dividend-paying stocks, dividend-focused mutual funds or ETFs, annuities, or real estate investment trusts (REITs). These can provide a steady stream of income in retirement.
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Review and Rebalance:
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Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your retirement goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
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Rebalance your portfolio periodically to maintain your desired asset allocation and adjust for changes in market conditions or personal circumstances.
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Consult a Financial Advisor:
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Consider consulting a financial advisor who specializes in retirement planning to help you create a customized investment strategy tailored to your specific needs, goals, and risk tolerance.
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Remember that your investment strategy should be tailored to your individual circumstances, risk tolerance, and retirement goals. By taking a proactive approach to retirement planning and investment management, you can work towards achieving financial security and a comfortable retirement. 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.