A Midyear Portfolio Checkup in 7 Easy Steps

Many investors are apt to be heavy on stocks relative to their targets. [Morningstar](?utm_source=eloqua&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_improvingfinances&utm_content=55572&elqTrackId=9fcdc041c710495f9c3f104664f2020d&elq=5582e16b5c4c4756a200f8416127ff4f&elqaid=55572&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=28240) [Improving Your Finances] Improving Your Finances with [Christine Benz]( [Christine Benz] If we were to close the books on 2024 right now, most investors would be pretty satisfied with their portfolios’ results. Bonds have been no great shakes, as the Federal Reserve has left interest rates unchanged amid stubborn inflation. But stocks have soared thanks in large part to continued strength in US technology shares. A portfolio with 60% in US stocks and 40% in US bonds would have gained about 8% for the year to date through late June, and more equity-heavy portfolios would have gained even more than that. Because 2024′s strong stock market gains build on fabulous equity returns in 2023, it’s an opportune time to check up on your portfolio. With the July 4 holiday approaching, you may even find yourself with a bit of extra time to do so. To help you check up on your portfolio and your plan, I wrote about the [key items to keep on your dashboard](. We just wrapped the [Morningstar Investment Conference]( where I participated in a panel about retirement income planning. Prior to the big event, [my colleague Jason Kephart and I sat down to discuss the perennially popular topic of creating retirement cash flows]( including the role of annuities. Tapping home equity via a reverse mortgage is an even more controversial topic in the realm of retirement planning than annuities are. But the fact is that many seniors have a lot of housing wealth relative to their liquid assets. Amy Arnott and I recently chatted with [Don Graves and Wade Pfau about the role of home equity in retirement planning](. I think it’s safe to say that they’re more bullish on reverse mortgages than I am, but I left the conversation with a better understanding of the key pros and cons. Finally, I appreciated Amy’s discussion of the wisdom of an oft-repeated piece of advice: maxing out a 401(k). When does doing so make sense and when is it not worth it? [Amy delves into tax and other considerations]( when trying to decide how to deploy your hard-earned funds. I hope that you’re able to enjoy a restful start to the summer. Enjoy the 4th! With warm regards, Christine [A Midyear Portfolio Checkup in 7 Easy Steps]( Reviewing your year’s performance so far, and positioning yourself for the future. [Read More]( Share: [facebook]( [twitter]( [linkedin]( ADVERTISEMENT [media]( [media] [How to Pay Yourself in Retirement]( Avoid these common mistakes and consider buying an annuity. [Watch Now]( [Morningstar Investment Conference 2024: From AI Investing to Annuities]( MIC delivers expert insights and strategies for advisors and investors. [Read More]( [Don Graves and Wade Pfau: How Home Equity Affects Retirement Planning]( Reverse mortgages have gotten a bad rap. Do they merit another look? [Listen Now]( [Should You Max Out Your 401(k)?]( Most investors don’t need to worry about oversaving. [Read More]( Get Top Stock Picks and Market Insights Every Week on The Morning Filter. Every Monday morning, Susan Dziubinski sits down with Morningstar Chief U.S. markets strategist Dave Sekera to discuss what's on his radar, new Morningstar research, and stock picks or pans for the week ahead. [Watch Now.](morningstar/streams?utm_source=eloqua&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_improvingfinances&utm_content=55572) Stay connected: [twitter]( [facebook]( [linkedin]( [instagram]( [YouTube]( [Apple News]( [View online]( | [See all newsletters]( | [Share your feedback]( [Unsubscribe]( from this newsletter. Or update your [email preferences](. © 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 22 W. Washington St. Chicago, IL 60602