2006-08-26 07:37:40 · 9 answers · asked by k r 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Investing
check out www.401k.com. Fidelity has an awesome website for pointing you in the right direction as far as fund distribution based on age and retirement planning.
2006-08-26 07:41:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Biggles and Valerie have good points.
you need to find your risk level and match it with the mix of asset classes (bonds and various kinds of stocks).
I am about in the same range as you 15-18 years to retire. And I have chosen 10% bonds and the 90 % stocks are distributed 50% large caps, 20% small caps and 20% international. I will probably shift 10-20% from the large caps to the international soon - although they have a higher expense ratio. I believe much more into the global economy than local economies (US). And my goal is to grow the portfolio relatively aggressively so I can take a hit short term. Some people in my age have higher bond portions because they think this reduces risk. But bonds can go down the drain soon really badly and not even beat inflation any more. Just because the US sold a lot of those to countries who may be saturated unless we raise interest even more - which is a hard thing to do also. So we gotta watch this.
Also really important to chose funds with low expense ratios. And look on their past performance. Some plans allow or include company stock, but it's advised to have not more than 5 or 10% or so (think Enron). I prefer 0%.
2006-08-26 08:07:10 · answer #2 · answered by spaceskating_girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's hard to say without knowing more about what other funds you might have (ie, other 401(k)'s) but you probably want to diversify over at least 3 different equity classes (stocks, bonds, real estate, etc). Also you want to put no more than 75% of your money in the stock asset category. Call the provider of your 401(k), and ask for performance information. Don't be afraid to ask for advice too. Some companies offer advice, some don't.
2006-08-26 07:42:47 · answer #3 · answered by Valerie L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good place to start might be researching your complany and how much they are investing in thier stock. It's usually best not to put everything in the company stock.
here are a few websites that might help.
www.quicken.com on this website different retirement programs are mentioned along with additional information regarding stocks and investing.
http.//moneycc.com
www.kiplinger.com
www.moneycenteral.com
www.fool.com
there are plenty of others as well,
try personal finace websites and see what comes back.
2006-08-26 07:57:37 · answer #4 · answered by midnight5 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to either research stocks or mutual funds, bonds or talk with a financial consultant. You need to to figure out what level of risk you ought to be taking with your investment to give you the best return in the time you have left. I would suggest a mix of higher risk stocks with low risk bonds.
2006-08-26 07:43:13 · answer #5 · answered by roamin70 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find your investment objective.
Try the the link http://finance.yahoo.com/retirement/education/saving_for_early_retirement
There are some great articles that walk you through the process.
Email me if you want an investment objective questionnaire.
2006-08-26 14:57:11 · answer #6 · answered by Happy to help 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you could learn invest by yourself. it is your money, you should know how to do with it. for starter check this site out.
http://www.pathtoinvesting.org/index_fla...
http://www.stockcharts.com
http://www.streettalklive.com>... university. a lot amount of information. It will serve you well
I accumulate in good amount in 401k at the young age.I could share with you. when consider invest in stock market. you should consider basic 3 things:
fundamental analysis==(economic data,finincial health, management, business model, competetion)>>what to buy
technical analysis==(chart+indicator)>> when to buy
Sentiment/schycho analysis==>>mood of investor, Contrarian point of view.
Market cycle===>> check out book Trader Almanac by jeff hirsch will give you inside stuff
When you combine 3 thing, It is one of the powerful knowledge goinh with you for the rest of your live
At the age of 32. my 401k is amassed 73,000.00 and 30000.00 in taxble account. by follow simple rule
2006-08-26 19:22:47 · answer #7 · answered by Hoa N 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
read tips on investing and stocks to help you more on this site
2006-08-26 08:53:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm... ask your broker.
2006-08-28 14:14:41 · answer #9 · answered by shrinkrap4u2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋