The position percentages in each of the strategies are at default values. The investor has the option to decrease or increase the percentage size due to his or her own risk tolerance. That said, the key to portfolio success is risk management. What I'm trying to convey in your approach to your own plan is this: How do you evaluate the global economy and the stock market? For myself, I use a short checklist of economic and stock market indicators to assess the short-term, intermediate, and long-term trends. The investor needs to diagnose the potential risks and rewards from each of the model portfolios. In doing so, the investor can choose the model portfolio that fits the current or future trend in the economy and the stock market. The following is a list of ten portfolio commandments that will improve your portfolio performance: 1. Thou shall not overweight an asset class in your portfolio. 2. Thou shall not overweight an asset class style in your portfolio. 3. Thou shall not overweight a funds position in your portfolio. 4. Thou shall not overweight a stock position in your portfolio. 5. Thou shall not overweight a sector fund in your portfolio. 6. Thou shall not use leverage in your portfolio. 7. Thou shall not use target dated funds in your portfolio. 8. Thou shall not invest in high-expense ratio funds. 9. Thou shall not be a passive investor in your portfolio. 10. Thou shall not overweight your future or elected contributions in your portfolio.
