Here's the part where we deliberately choose investments. Notice, though, that I use the words "cherry picking." This is to remind you to be selective. You need to stick to your asset allocation shopping list … by choosing several investments from your preferred asset class. Here's another important point. Remember to diversify. For instance, if your asset allocation strategy is to devote 50% of your portfolio to income-oriented investments, select several different income-oriented investments. Here's what to look for:
What's the investment's objective? Is it aiming to produce income, preserve capital, or produce growth?
What are the investment's holdings? What types of companies? What types of financial instruments? What parts of the world?
What is the investment's historical performance? Has its value increased or decreased over time? How has it performed compared to like investments? How has it performed compared to indices, such as the S&P 500?
To reallocate personal savings, call your broker, or financial institution.
To reallocate funds held in a employer-sponsored plan, call your former employer’s Benefits department, or the financial institution that manages your account.
"Bit off more than you want to chew?"
If this sounded like more fun than it's turned out to be, perhaps you’d care to contact a financial professional. He or she can help you nail down objectives and look at plenty of investment alternatives.