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comment by rinx
rinx  ·  3145 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: Good fantasy stock portfolio

His funds are all actively managed, which I avoid. He also uses a lot of annuities, which don't make sense for me. I've also noticed in several finance threads on here(including the one he linked on Efficient Market Theory) people here tend to skew very pro real estate, which I am essentially terrified of. I'm not focusing on knocking his methods, they work for him, I just want to explain that there are different approaches.

I use a mix of investment classes, but it's really pretty simple. My emergency fund and just in case money are in a mix of "safe" investments - cash, high yield savings, cds. and I will eventually add in TIPS.

I largely don't own individual stocks. I instead buy index funds that track entire market. These are low fee and give me excellent diversification. Twice a year I check in, re-balance to keep everyone on track, then forget about it - it's why they are called lazy portfolios. This method works very well for me, I've beaten everyone I know who's tried the DIY approach.

Here is my asset allocation. I included links to example funds I use but since this portfolio spans my 401k, Roth IRA, and brokerage account I use a mix of funds to get these numbers.

35% - US Index - FSTVX

30% - International index - FSGDX

5% - US Small Value - Not required, I value tilt to add a little flavor :)

9% - REIT - VNQ

20% - Bond - FTABX

1% - Play money - Cash, bitcoin, ESPP. No more then 5 - 10 trades a year.