401k investment advise needed

[Dhawk]

Does anyone use Strong Retirement Plan Services as their 401K administrators?

I am 44 years old and have not invested as heavily into retirement as I should have. Right now I think I should invest into more short term, higher risk funds for the next 5 to 7 years to help build a stronger base, then look at more stable funds.

How do you plan which funds to invest your contributions to? Any suggestions?

 

[DaveSimmons]

Right now I'm putting my 401k money into a bond fund and a small-cap growth fund, both are short-term planning since I don't like any of the funds in my 401k and will be moving the money to Schwab in a few years anyway when I change jobs.

In my Schwab accounts where I have a better choice of funds I have 2/3 in S&P500 index funds and 1/3 in small cap and worldwide funds. S&P has done very well the last 1 - 1.5 yeas after the crash and is a very good long-term choice (5+ years, though I'll be holding it for 20+).

I don't trust actively-managed funds enough to put more than 1/3 of my stock money in them. I'm satisfied with the much lower risk and good historical returns from an S&P 500 index fund (Vanguard VFINX is an excellent one).

 

[Workin']

Originally posted by: Dhawk
How do you plan which funds to invest your contributions to? Any suggestions?

I plan my investments by talking to a financial planner. I'm sure Strong has people that can help you. If you don't want help, or just want it easy, DaveSimmmons' strategy is a good one.

 

[Hector13]

Originally posted by: Dhawk
Does anyone use Strong Retirement Plan Services as their 401K administrators?

I am 44 years old and have not invested as heavily into retirement as I should have. Right now I think I should invest into more short term, higher risk funds for the next 5 to 7 years to help build a stronger base, then look at more stable funds.

How do you plan which funds to invest your contributions to? Any suggestions?

How much of your total "investment portfolio" will be in this 401K? What do your other investments look like? At 44, you still have time to invest in some "risky funds", but you shouldn't be putting all your money in to them. You should definitely still have some bonds and/or other investments (cash, real estate, etc.). Perhaps 60% in stocks (including some small cap and/or foriegn stocks) would be a good amount?