[Becca9800]

Originally Posted by GrumpyOldMan

Did you vet the "experts". And that is not a surprise, ask 5 more and you will get 5 more types of advice.

And the absolute worst place to get advice on almost anything is online in a forum.

I mean how would I vet an expert? I don't know what I don't know. They were both recommendations from friends and that didn't pan out. So on the forum issue, I'm looking for majority. I understand the risk is still mine, simply looking for opinions.

[Becca9800]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

It sounds like you already have a good balance to your portfolio. I would check to see the average duration of the bonds. They should be short term or intermediate term bonds, NOT long term. Long term bonds are too risky. The average maturity of the bonds should be less than 10 years. And, if you discuss your investments with an advisor, DO NOT let them sell you an annuity. Again, DO NOT transfer your investments into an annuity.

Got it! Ensure investment in bonds are in those w <10 year maturity and NO annuities. 2 concepts never before heard. Thank you!!!!

[Becca9800]

Originally Posted by tuccillo

A basic book about asset allocation is:

"All About Asset Allocation" by Richard Ferri.

So..... if my money is w Lincoln Financial, in an Aggressive Retirement portfolio (46.77% bonds, 27.47% stocks and 25.76% cash/stable value) is it imperative that I understand asset allocation? Or can I trust Lincoln? This is truly a case of I don't know what I don't know. Honestly, I don't want to understand it, I want to be able to trust the experts. But as with all things, in the end.....

[Becca9800]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

Interesting advice without know an age.

So I'm 61 and retired w >3 years of monthly payments for health care coverage until Medicare kicks in at 65. Pension? Ha! Haha! I worked in health care for nearly 40 years, there is no pension to speak of. I def picked the wrong line of work. Me and the bank own two homes, my car is paid off and there is no other debt. I feel very fortunate though, so many are in much worse straights. IDK. Does that shed any light?

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Becca9800

So..... if my money is w Lincoln Financial, in an Aggressive Retirement portfolio (46.77% bonds, 27.47% stocks and 25.76% cash/stable value) is it imperative that I understand asset allocation? Or can I trust Lincoln? This is truly a case of I don't know what I don't know. Honestly, I don't want to understand it, I want to be able to trust the experts. But as with all things, in the end.....

How do you know if the so called expert is looking out for your best interests?

Do you have a close friend or relative you can trust to help you?

[Becca9800]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

How do you know if the so called expert is looking out for your best interests?

Do you have a close friend or relative you can trust to help you?

I don't know that anyone has my best interests in mind! That's my #1 concern. The 2 experts I consulted were recommended by friends, they gave conflicting advice (see previous posts).

[tuccillo]

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

So..... if my money is w Lincoln Financial, in an Aggressive Retirement portfolio (46.77% bonds, 27.47% stocks and 25.76% cash/stable value) is it imperative that I understand asset allocation? Or can I trust Lincoln? This is truly a case of I don't know what I don't know. Honestly, I don't want to understand it, I want to be able to trust the experts. But as with all things, in the end.....

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Your 403B is in lieu of a pension. Since you're over 59-1/2 you can touch it without significant penalty if you really want to. But if you don't need to, you probably should just sit on it for awhile. See if you can hold out til you're eligible for Medicare, and then if you need it to cover the cost of part D or whatever they end up having in a few years, and to supplement your social security income, it'll be there for you.

[stevecmo]

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.

[bandsdavis]

Originally Posted by Becca9800

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?

From what I know, that does not describe an "Aggresive", portfolio, but very conservative. If you are not working with a certified financial advisor, that's your first mistake. IMHO

[Carla B]

The suggestion to visit Bogleheads.org is a very good one, as is the one to read the Richard Ferri book. As I recall he was a pupil of John Bogle. Richard Ferri also runs a financial adviser firm. The Bogleheads forum which deals with new investor topics a lot. Not only do they discuss investment strategies there is discussion on personal finance, as well.

If you do a search on Investments in this forum, TOTV, you will gain a lot of knowledge right here, as well..

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Becca9800

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.

Yes.

[Becca9800]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

Your 403B is in lieu of a pension. Since you're over 59-1/2 you can touch it without significant penalty if you really want to. But if you don't need to, you probably should just sit on it for awhile. See if you can hold out til you're eligible for Medicare, and then if you need it to cover the cost of part D or whatever they end up having in a few years, and to supplement your social security income, it'll be there for you.

Right. That much I get. The real question.... do I leave my money where it is, is it safe from any market crash? Or do I need to move it to a safer place?

[Becca9800]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

Yes.

Yes? Yes what?

[Becca9800]

Originally Posted by bandsdavis

From what I know, that does not describe an "Aggresive", portfolio, but very conservative. If you are not working with a certified financial advisor, that's your first mistake. IMHO

I think I'm OK w a conservative portfolio and I tried to hook up w a financial advisor but rec'd conflicting advice. Now what?