We've constructed three portfolios using only funds from the Kiplinger 25, a list of our favorite no-load mutual funds, designed for investors with different goals, time horizons and levels of risk tolerance.
Use the models below as a starting point for your own portfolio. Tweak where necessary. Beef up your stocks if you want to be more aggressive, or increase the bond portion of your portfolio if you're risk-averse.
Kiplinger 25 Model Portfolios
1. Aggressive Portfolio
Time horizon: 11 years or more
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Strategy: Invest 80% of assets in stocks and add a stable, core bond fund for the remaining 20%.
Dodge & Cox Income (DODIX): 20%
Dodge & Cox Stock (DODGX): 20%
Primecap Odyssey Growth (POGRX): 20%
Fidelity International Growth (FIGFX): 10%
T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Value (PRSVX): 10%
Oberweis Small-Cap Opportunities (OBSOX): 10%
Baron Emerging Markets (BEXFX): 5%
Brown Capital Management International Small Company (BCSVX): 5%
2. Moderate Portfolio
Time horizon: Six to 10 years
Strategy: Hold 70% in stocks and 30% in bonds for a more temperate mix.
T. Rowe Price Dividend Growth (PRDGX): 20%
Baird Aggregate Bond (BAGSX): 15%
Dodge & Cox Stock (DODGX): 15%
Fidelity International Growth (FIGFX): 15%
Fidelity Strategic Income (FADMX): 15%
Janus Henderson Global Equity Income (HFQTX): 10%
DF Dent Midcap Growth (DFDMX): 5%
T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Value (PRSVX): 5%
3. Conservative Portfolio
Time horizon: Five years or less
Strategy: A steadier blend of 70% bonds and 30% stocks geared primarily for income.
Dodge & Cox Income (DODIX): 25%
T. Rowe Price Dividend Growth (PRDGX): 15%
Vanguard Equity Income (VEIPX): 15%
Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade (VFSTX): 15%
Fidelity Strategic Income (FADMX): 10%
T. Rowe Price Floating Rate (PRFRX): 5%
Vanguard Emerging Markets Bond (VEMBX): 5%
Vanguard High-Yield Corporate (VWEHX): 5%
Vanguard Wellington (VWELX): 5%
Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.
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