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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Investor Alley => Topic started by: eman resu on August 07, 2013, 03:52:53 PM

Title: asset allocation resources?
Post by: eman resu on August 07, 2013, 03:52:53 PM

I'm in process of learning (trying, early stages) about how/what to research for an investment option's underlying asset allocation.
 
Also, I found out today that my 401(k) options are to be completely overhauled on Aug 30 with a bunch of new funds, including several Vanguard funds: VSISX, VGRSX, VTINX and a slew of their Target Retirement funds. This is exciting and I want to research each new fund.

Questions:

1) Is there anything you would recommend I consider beyond the asset allocation and market sector of holdings within a fund as far as concentrations go? Or am I over-thinking this as a beginner  who for the moment just wants to make some positive baby steps within a "bad" portfolio?...   

2) Any good resources "for dummies" on bonds -- risks associated with the various types and/or how to evaluate a fund's bond holdings -- that you would recommend? 

Thanks  E-
 

Title: Re: asset allocation resources?
Post by: fiveoclockshadow on August 07, 2013, 04:09:12 PM

A very reasonable place to start:

http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy (http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy)

You'll see some very simple portfolios in there, you really only need three funds (bond, US stock, International).  Bogleheads has a good run down on all the various Vanguard funds as well on their extensive wiki.

Title: Re: asset allocation resources?
Post by: eman resu on August 08, 2013, 06:46:20 AM

Thanks much for the link/info, fiveoclockshadow

For the record, the way this forum treats people like me who aren't always sure what questions to ask yet is wonderful.

Good on all of you.

Title: Re: asset allocation resources?
Post by: aj_yooper on September 15, 2013, 12:11:41 PM

+1 to fiveoclockshadow's link. 

You might also like Rick Ferri's All About Asset Allocation: The Easy Way to Get Started, Second Edition as a good introduction to asset allocation and investment funds.

Reducing expenses and investing savings is the key!

Welcome to MMM.

Title: Re: asset allocation resources?
Post by: beltim on September 15, 2013, 12:34:05 PM

Quote from: eman resu on August 07, 2013, 03:52:53 PM

I'm in process of learning (trying, early stages) about how/what to research for an investment option's underlying asset allocation.
 
Also, I found out today that my 401(k) options are to be completely overhauled on Aug 30 with a bunch of new funds, including several Vanguard funds: VSISX, VGRSX, VTINX and a slew of their Target Retirement funds. This is exciting and I want to research each new fund.

Questions:

1) Is there anything you would recommend I consider beyond the asset allocation and market sector of holdings within a fund as far as concentrations go? Or am I over-thinking this as a beginner  who for the moment just wants to make some positive baby steps within a "bad" portfolio?...   

2) Any good resources "for dummies" on bonds -- risks associated with the various types and/or how to evaluate a fund's bond holdings -- that you would recommend? 

Thanks  E-

Morningstar.com is a good reference to see the holdings, expenses, and performance of a wide variety of funds.