Investors always have questions, and we receive hundreds every year. While we cannot respond to them all, we address some on our weekly radio show and use others to help us choose article topics. Using the submit a question tab above, you can send us a question to be answered by our team of educators and financial advisors. We regularly post new questions and answers here. The links below will lead you to them.
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August 11, 2008 |
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Question:
You recently changed your recommended ETF portfolios. REITs used to make up 10 percent of the portfolio, the same allocation as large-cap, large-cap growth, small-cap and small-cap growth. Now REITs are only 5 percent and the others are each 11.25 percent. What is the rationale for this change?
Click here to read Merriman's answer!
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August 06, 2008 |
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Question:
Is now the time to buy more TIPS in my 401(k) or to sell TIPS as a hedge against rising interest rates next year? I’m 57 years old and wonder if I should buy a short-term investment grade bond fund before interest rates go up. Or is it better to buy them when interest rates are much higher?
Click here to read Merriman's answer!
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July 31, 2008 |
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Question:
It makes me crazy to be losing money in mutual funds and paying fees to fund managers who did nothing to preserve my wealth. I want to take your advice and get better diversification for my investments. But I really don’t want to sell at this point and lock in my losses. I’m waiting for the summer rally, which may be starting now, before I sell. Your advice would be appreciated.
Click here to read Merriman's answer!
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July 29, 2008 |
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Question:
On your radio show you said that Suze Orman and others have recommended ditching the S&P 500 Index. You have said in the past that successful investors are often contrarians. Does this mean that it could be time to invest in this fund instead of selling it? What is your recommendation?
Click here to read Merriman's answer!
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July 28, 2008 |
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Question:
My wife and I are very upset by the recent market decline. Some of our mutual funds are down more than 25 percent since last fall. We are five years away from retirement and plan to pay off our mortgage by the time we retire. My wife feels strongly that the money in our funds would be put to better use paying off the mortgage instead of losing money in the market. Does it make sense to do this? If so, how do I determine which funds to sell and which to keep?
Click here to read Merriman's answer!
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July 23, 2008 |
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Question:
I just retired and the recent decline has made we change my idea of how I should invest my retirement accounts. I need income from these investments to live on but realize I can't put all my money in bonds or Cd's or I will probably run out of money due to inflation. What do you suggest I do? Wait for the market to go up again? How far do you think the market is likely to fall before the next bull market starts?
Click here to read Merriman's answer!
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July 22, 2008 |
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Question:
Where should I put money that isn't covered by FDIC insurance?
Click here to read Merriman's answer!
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July 21, 2008 |
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Question:
I have some money I want to invest in a buy-and-hold account. I don’t know if I should invest it all at once or dollar-cost-average over a year or six months. Which is best?
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July 20, 2008 |
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Question:
In three years I will conclude a 30 year career in the
military as an enlisted man. I own a house, paid off this month, have
an 11-year old son, two cars (paid off), excellent credit and no debts.
The house is a rental property as I am currently living overseas. I
will have to buy another house in three years, start saving for
college for my son and will start a second career. I
have not started saving yet because I wanted to pay off the house. What
are your recommendations for buying a house, saving for college
expenses, retirement after my second career and tax shelters for the
next three years?
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July 19, 2008 |
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Question:
Regarding mutual funds, why isn't it a good idea to invest in C shares for a time period of one to five years, then convert to A shares in the fifth year? I have looked at American and Franklin Templeton and cannot understand, given the scheduled loads and expenses, why this would not be a good strategy. I am 53 years old. Thank you so much.
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