Retail Division   >  Tools and Information   >  Managing my portfolio   >  Reaching Your Goals
Reaching Your Goals


It's time to review what these were in the first place before determining whether or not they've been met. Run through the following list, remember what your investment objectives were and determine what they are now:

  • financing the purchase of a new car
  • saving for your education or your children's
  • creating a downpayment for the purchase of a primary residence or vacation property
  • creating income
  • retirement

Objectives may change - and in fact, for most of us, they do and will. A life change, for example the birth of a child, the loss of a job, a promotion or an inheritance, may cause you to rethink your investing objectives and current needs. The answer may not always be simple, but the exercise will help you focus on your investment objectives. There are many issues that should be discussed with your advisor.

Asset Allocation

Asset allocation is often considered the most important factor in managing your portfolio. Additionally, your asset allocation structure may change as your needs and goals change, and it is somewhat dictated by your age and the length of time until you retire.

  • ... the most important factor in managing your investments...

Very simply, asset allocation means how you have spread your investing dollars among your various types of investments. Asset allocation is a key factor in determining retirement plans.

Deciding what proportion of your money should be assigned to growth-oriented investments like stocks (whose value may fluctuate) and how much to income-generating investments like bonds is an important investment decision. Your tolerance for risk and your timeframe for when you will need the money are two factors in making an allocation decision. Your advisor is the professional who will help you discern the important items for your profile.