Get Metlife Asset Allocation Questionnaire 2015-2025

For example, if you're 30, you should keep 70% of your portfolio in stocks. If you're 70, you should keep 30% of your portfolio in stocks. However, with Americans living longer and longer, many financial planners are now recommending that the rule should be closer to 110 or 120 minus your age.

Determining your asset allocation is crucial. A common rule of thumb is to subtract your age from 100 to determine the percentage of your portfolio that should be allocated to stocks. The remaining percentage can be allocated to less volatile investments like fixed deposits, bonds, or government schemes.

"Don't put all your eggs in one basket." That timeless adage tidily sums up the concepts of asset allocation and diversification. When it comes to investing, asset allocation is the equivalent of deciding how many of your eggs you're going to put into how many different baskets—or asset classes.

But if I can use his advice to improve my own stock performance, I might be able to hit my financial goals a little faster. On to the golden rule then. Here it is, in Buffett's own words: “Rule No. 1: Never lose money. Rule No. 2: Never forget Rule No. 1.”

How you allocate your assets should be based on three things: Your goals—both short- and long-term. The number of years you have to invest. Your tolerance for risk.

Set aside 12 months of your expenses in liquid fund to take care of emergencies. Invest 20% of your investable surplus into gold, that generally has an inverse correlation with equity. Allocate the balance 80% of your investable surplus in a diversified equity portfolio.

The golden rules of investing If you can't afford to invest yet, don't. It's true that starting to invest early can give your investments more time to grow over the long term. ... Set your investment expectations. ... Understand your investment. ... Diversify. ... Take a long-term view. ... Keep on top of your investments.