FundAdvice.com - 401k: Northwest Permanente

What we like about this retirement plan: This plan covers most domestic asset classes well, but...

What could improve your retirement plan: We'd like to see added both foreign and domestic small cap value funds, and international large cap value and emerging markets funds.

Our Northwest Permanente Recommendations

Here are our asset allocation recommendations depending on the level of risk you decide to take. To determine your tolerance for risk so that you can choose the portfolio that's right for you, be sure to read the articles linked on our homepage. It's important that you understand the basis for our recommendations, because you'll be more likely to implement them and stay the course. If you have questions, check out our FAQs.

Aggressive Portfolio
When you want to take out all the stops and "go for it," this is the portfolio for you. Equally at home in the U.S. and abroad, this combination is a favorite of young investors with plenty of time before retirement. It's also suited for those on a fast track who want or need all the speed and distance they can get from their investments. Because 100 percent of the portfolio is in equities, the only buffer against the slings and arrows of the market is time. But if you've got the time, this is the way to go. Our expected annual return for this portfolio is 10 to 13 percent, with the likely one year loss of 30 to 40 percent.

Moderate Portfolio
This combination is a fine choice for many employees and especially for long-term investors. Its 60 percent weighting in equities gives it plenty of power for stock market growth, while the 40 percent in fixed-income provides stability and safety during declines in the market. This portfolio is most suitable for investors with five or more years until they will need their money. Our expected annual return for this portfolio is 7 to 10 percent, with the likely one year loss of 15 to 25 percent.

Conservative Portfolio
This combination stresses safety, with a mix of 40 percent equities and 60 percent fixed-income investments. It is most suitable for investors who consider themselves conservative, who are close to or past the age of retirement or who, for whatever reason, care more about holding onto their money than making it grow. Our expected annual return for this portfolio is 6 to 9 percent, with the likely one year loss of 5 to 15 percent.

Funds Aggressive Moderate Conservative

Vanguard Total Stock Market       20%      12%          8%

JPM Midcap Value       20%      12%          8%

Royce Low Price Stock       20%      12%          8%

Fidelity Diversified International       40%      24%         16%

Pimco Total Return        --      20%         30%

Fidelity Retire MMKT        --      20%         30%

Disclaimer:

This information is provided by Merriman Berkman Next, Inc., a registered investment advisor, and is believed to be from reliable sources, but no guarantee is made as to accuracy or completeness. The investment securities and strategies discussed are not suitable for all investors. Recommendations are of a general nature, not based on knowledge of any individual's specific needs or circumstances, and there is no intent to provide individual investment advisory, supervisory or management services. Unless otherwise noted, all reported or projected results (1) assume reinvestment of interest and dividends; (2) are net of any applicable management fees and transaction costs; and (3) do not reflect any effect of taxes. Past returns, whether actual or hypothetical, are not indicative of future results, which will be different from those of the past. Merriman Berkman Next, Inc. is not an authorized representative of Northwest Permanente and its retirement plan.