“Here’s an option … but not for the faint of heart.” How are your employer-sponsored funds allocated? If they’re conservatively invested, and only yielding minimal interest, you may want to invest some of your money more aggressively. Just remember, though, there’s a catch. Taking more risk gives you the potential for earning more…and losing more.

1. Take an even hand. If you increase your investment risk, be sure you allocate wisely to cover all your bases. This means putting some…but not all…of your money in growth vehicles.

2. Consult your tummy. Experts generally recommend people approaching retirement take less investment risk, not more. That’s because it’s better to have lots of years ahead to help even out the market’s ups and downs. What if your nest egg lost value? What if you had to retire in a down market? How nervous does this make you? Could you swing it anyway?

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