Too Many Investment Accounts? Here’s How to Reduce the Clutter

Plus: Another reason to have a ‘too hard pile’ for investments. [Morningstar](?utm_source=eloqua&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_improvingfinances&utm_content=56915&elqTrackId=30a60f7ab126446f9356e5a7a5168443&elq=1bf05a98c4834b56a07a11c8ba18c09f&elqaid=56915&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=29017) [Improving Your Finances] Improving Your Finances with [Christine Benz]( [Christine Benz] While I was getting organized in my basement a few weeks ago, I couldn’t help but notice that I’m housing a lot of stuff that I don’t really use. Stored neatly in cabinets downstairs are what I’ve come to refer to as my Downton Abbey entertaining supplies: silver platters and teapots, crystal water and wine goblets, and two sets of fine china, complete with gravy boats and soup bowls. I realized that I hadn’t used most of it in years. While my husband and I love to entertain, we’re more likely to use our minimalist white dishes and stemless wine glasses. The fancy stuff just doesn’t suit the way we live today (and the modern wine glasses hold more than a few sips). You may well reach the same point with your portfolio. Upon closer scrutiny, you may find that you have holdings and even whole accounts that have outlived their useful lives; perhaps they don’t match the investment strategy you practice today, or they’re just not very good. In [this video, I discuss how to reduce the investment clutter in your portfolio]( as well as bearing tax considerations in mind as you do so. When it comes to figuring out what to keep in your portfolio and what to cut, I think the concept of [a "too hard pile"]( can be incredibly clarifying, and it can also help you keep your cool when the market is volatile. In [this video, Susan Dziubinski and I discussed four strategies for staying cool in volatile markets]( when doing nothing just won’t cut it. One feature of the recent market volatility is that bonds have again been excellent ballast for equities. That represents a change from 2022’s odd duck year, when both stocks and bonds declined at the same time. In that vein, I appreciated this discussion with [Schwab’s chief fixed-income strategist Kathy Jones on what bond investors should bear in mind]( now that yields have begun to decline. Finally, I got a thrill recently when I saw that my soon-to-be-released book, [How to Retire](zg_bs_g_2731_d_sccl_1/143-2932733-6203903?utm_source=eloqua&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_improvingfinances&utm_content=56915&psc=1&elqTrackId=c3fa1e0e0e1a4096a6a3c0526ccb2c5e&elq=1bf05a98c4834b56a07a11c8ba18c09f&elqaid=56915&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=29017), had shot up to number one in Amazon’s retirement planning category. This [Kerry Hannon Q&A]( in Yahoo Finance likely contributed to my moment of fame, but I’m genuinely proud of the book and hope that it has staying power. It’s set to come out on Sept. 17, but it’s available for preorder now. Let me know what you think! With warm regards, Christine Benz [Too Many Investment Accounts? Here’s How to Reduce the Clutter]( Plus, a look at Macy’s stock ahead of its earnings release. [Watch Now]( Share: [facebook]( [twitter]( [linkedin]( ADVERTISEMENT [media]( [media] [My 'Too Hard' Pile Is Pretty Big]( And yours should be, too. [Read More]( [4 Ways to Take Control in an Uncertain Market]( If you can’t just do nothing, try these strategies instead. [Watch Today]( [Schwab’s Kathy Jones on the Big Mistake Bond Investors Should Avoid]( The highest yields may be history, but opportunities remain for bond investors outside Treasuries. [Find Out More]( [Why Investors Missed Out on 15% of Total Fund Returns]( And six ways that you can try to close the gap. [Get the Details]( 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=56915) 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