Building a 401(k) portfolio (2024)

FAQs

Building a 401(k) portfolio? ›

401(k) Portfolio Allocations by Risk Profile

An aggressive allocation: 90% stocks, 10% bonds. A moderately aggressive allocation: 70% stocks, 30% bonds. A balanced allocation: 50% stocks, 50% bonds. A conservative allocation: 30% stocks, 80% bonds.

401(k) Portfolio Allocations by Risk Profile

An aggressive allocation: 90% stocks, 10% bonds. A moderately aggressive allocation: 70% stocks, 30% bonds. A balanced allocation: 50% stocks, 50% bonds. A conservative allocation: 30% stocks, 80% bonds.

Managing their own portfolios may afford investors a broader array of investment options. But there are also added complexities when it comes to fees, liquidity, and other elements. Those who take the self-directed plunge should take the time to learn the tools available to help smooth out the process.

That's why we recommend splitting your portfolio into the four types of mutual funds outlined above—growth, growth and income, aggressive growth, and international funds. This is called diversification, and it helps lower your risk by spreading out your investments.

A more aggressive allocation might have 70 percent or more in stocks, while a more conservative one might have that much in bonds. Then stick with this allocation and rebalance it when it moves too far away from your target allocation.

Some financial advisors recommend a mix of 60% stocks, 35% fixed income, and 5% cash when an investor is in their 60s. So, at age 55, and if you're still working and investing, you might consider that allocation or something with even more growth potential.

If you want the best possible selection of investments, then an IRA – especially at an online brokerage – will offer you the most options. You'll have the full suite of assets on offer at the institution: stocks, bonds, CDs, mutual funds, ETFs and more.

Investing in a broad market index fund can take a lot of the guesswork away. If you're not a confident investor, an S&P 500 index fund could be your best choice. If you're willing to do the work and research stocks individually, you might enjoy stronger gains in your retirement account.

The 120-age investment rule states that a healthy investing approach means subtracting your age from 120 and using the result as the percentage of your investment dollars in stocks and other equity investments.

Can I lose my 401k if the market crashes? ›

The odds are the value of your retirement savings may decline if the market crashes. While this doesn't mean you should never invest, you should be patient with the market and make long-term decisions that can withstand time and market fluctuation.

A diversified portfolio should have a broad mix of investments. For years, many financial advisors recommended building a 60/40 portfolio, allocating 60% of capital to stocks and 40% to fixed-income investments such as bonds. Meanwhile, others have argued for more stock exposure, especially for younger investors.

The moderately conservative allocation is 25% large-cap stocks, 5% small-cap stocks, 10% international stocks, 50% bonds and 10% cash investments. The moderate allocation is 35% large-cap stocks, 10% small-cap stocks, 15% international stocks, 35% bonds and 5% cash investments.

Most retirement experts recommend you contribute 10% to 15% of your income toward your 401(k) each year. The most you can contribute in 2023 is $22,500 or $30,000 if you are 50 or older (that's an extra $7,500). That number has only been increased by $500 for the 2024 tax year.

Investing in a broad market index fund can take a lot of the guesswork away. If you're not a confident investor, an S&P 500 index fund could be your best choice. If you're willing to do the work and research stocks individually, you might enjoy stronger gains in your retirement account.