Originally Posted by stevecmo (Post 1957579)

To be upfront, I know absolutely nothing about Lincoln Financial. If your asset allocation is truly 27/73 (stocks/fixed income) and they are calling that their "aggressive portfolio", I would look elsewhere.

Having said that, 27/73 would be considered very conservative but may be appropriate if it lets you sleep at night. However, most advisors say you need at least 40-50% equities (stocks) to keep up with inflation.

I would suggest you visit bogleheads.org . John Bogle was the founder of Vanguard. Spend some time on the forum. Introduce yourself and ask questions. Explore the Wiki. There is also a recommended reading list.

Hope that helps.

Originally Posted by tuccillo (Post 1957564)

The book I suggested, or any number of other basic books, will help you start to understand what an advisor is suggesting. Investing a little time will be worthwhile.

Originally Posted by Becca9800 (Post 1957518)

Can you recommend a book, please?

Originally Posted by Becca9800 (Post 1957518)

Can you recommend a book, please?

Originally Posted by Becca9800 (Post 1957495)

I'm absolutely ignorant when it comes to the stock market yet that's where all the money I have is nesting. It's in a 403b, encouraged and supported by my former employer. I'm w Lincoln Financial, with an Aggressive Retirement portfolio. I've not a clue. Please be kind now, I know I've been not too bright but I'm here now asking for your advice. So please be nice. I watch my value go up, and go down, YTD I'm up. It's all I have and it ain't much, I cannot afford to lose it in a crash. But I don't want to miss any gains either (greed, I know. It's a matter of knowing I'll need gain to be comfortable 10 years from now). I keep reading the market will crash soon and it frightens me. I need a financial guru to guide me. I've been to two advisors and received conflicting advice. Do I pull out or do I stay and run the gambit? What's an 'ol girl to do? Thanks so much in advance.

Originally Posted by GrumpyOldMan (Post 1957497)

You are trying to do what is called Time the Market. Don't do that. It doesn't work out well for 99.99% of investors that try to do it (just made up percentage, but it is bay far most).

You need to find a person with experience to giver you advice on conservative investment strategies - if you are concerned about losing what you have invested. And then follow that advice and leave it alone.

The market WILL crash eventually. Next week, next year, or next decade - no one can predict, but a lot of people will gladly take your money and promise they can predict it and will protect your investment, do not believe anyone that says they can promise anything.

Originally Posted by GRACEALLEMAN (Post 1957618)

Have you ever heard of Vanguard? You need to get a hold of Vanguard investments. We've been with them for over 30 years and done very well very safe thorough knowledge. They have the lowest fee of any investment firm lower than Fidelity. Call Vanguard investments toll free number

Originally Posted by Becca9800 (Post 1957495)

I'm absolutely ignorant when it comes
to the stock market yet that's where all the money I have is nesting. It's in a 403b, encouraged and supported by my former employer. I'm w Lincoln Financial, with an Aggressive Retirement portfolio. I've not a clue. Please be kind now, I know I've been not too bright but I'm here now asking for your advice. So please be nice. I watch my value go up, and go down, YTD I'm up. It's all I have and it ain't much, I cannot afford to lose it in a crash. But I don't want to miss any gains either (greed, I know. It's a matter of knowing I'll need gain to be comfortable 10 years from now). I keep reading the market will crash soon and it frightens me. I need a financial guru to guide me. I've been to two advisors and received conflicting advice. Do I pull out or do I stay and run the gambit? What's an 'ol girl to do? Thanks so much in advance.

Originally Posted by Becca9800 (Post 1957509)

See that's how ignorant I am, I don't even use the correct verbiage. I lumped it all as 'in the stock market'. I have to admit that I'm embarrassed. My aggressive retirement portfolio is 46.77% bonds, 27.47% stocks and 25.76% cash/stable value. Given that new info, what say you? Am I on a stable path to preserve my savings?

Originally Posted by Holly Richardson (Post 1957633)

Becca, I’m an Allstate agent working from home in TV. Allstate has many financial products that can protect some of your assets. You can put some money in an annuity. There are various kinds with no risk and higher risk and a few years and longer terms. I’m not licensed to discuss them. We have experienced advisors that are happy to provide valuable information free of charge. Call me 954-437-9230 ext. 308 and I’ll set an appointment for you. I’d say take the free advice and then make a decision that meets your needs. I have an annuity with little risk I will use to supplement my social security when I’m 70.5. I felt the same way as you and pulled out some money from the stock market. I didn’t want all the risk and wanted extra income when I’m no longer working.

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 1957624)

I agree that Vanguard would be a good way to go. But, Fidelity is also a good choice because they have an office in The Villages. You may feel more comfortable dealing with a live person. The first step would be to ask them to help you transfer all assets from your 403B account into an IRA account of no load funds, without changing your current asset allocation. Then, you will need a little knowledge to adjust your portfolio as needed.