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Wednesday, April 14, 2010

DIY Newbie - Step 1 - asset allocation

By request from a follower, this is the first "newbie" post.  The intention is to give an actionable, bare-bones, approach to investing.  This is not to say that a more in-depth approach isn't more preferred - it is.  It is always worthwhile understanding what you are doing.  ,Along the way I'll mention how to get a more in-depth understanding without having to take a graduate course in investments.  Fortunately, we've had some really smart people break down this process in readable prose.

Step 1 - Decide on the percentage of assets to invest in stocks and bonds.  A popular asset allocation is 70% stocks/30% bonds.  Asset allocation goes a long way towards explaining investment performance.

Here is a link to a simplistic asset allocation tool:  asset allocation tool.  Play around with it.  Slide the little triangles and watch the pie pieces change in size.

Look at the questions it asks.  Tomorrow I will shed more light on what is going on and what the questions mean.

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