Jill on Money: Dow 13,000, Investments, Social Security

Download the podcast on iTunes

Download the podcast on feedburner

Download this week's show (MP3)

Is Dow 13,000 calling you? Did you sell at the bottom and are now wondering how to get back in? Don't be afraid, on this week's show we cover investing and allocation questions; provide a primer on Social Security and outline the benefits of 529 plans.

Will in Louisville, Mary in Los Angeles, Servando and Patricia all needed guidance about investments. In these conversations, I was able to talk about some of my favorite topics, including what constitutes a well-diversified portfolio; dollar cost averaging; no load mutual funds vs. exchange-traded funds; and target date funds.

As promised, here's a simple balanced portfolio:

You'll hear me mention Target Date funds as an alternative to allocating your portfolio yourself. In a Target Date fund, the manager gradually reduces risk as you approach a predetermined time. Both Vanguard Target Retirement and T. Rowe Price Retirement are good options.

We answered pension, Social Security and long-term care questions from e-mailers and with Mo in Texas - see the links below to understand some of the strategies you can use when approaching your big SS decisions.

Here are web sites and resources mentioned in this week's show:

-- Jill's Blog

-- 9 Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor

-- NAPFA: National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (fee-only advisors)

-- Social Security estimator

-- When to take Social Security?

-- Social Security File and Suspend

-- Social Security: Double-Dipping

-- Long-term Care - US government web site

-- Long term care conundrum

-- 529 plan info-- Financial documents: What to shred, what to keep

-- Estate Planning: the Documents You Need

Thanks to everyone who participated and to Mark, the BEST producer in the world and our intern, Sehar. If you have a financial question, there are lots of ways to contact us:

Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE

Send an email: [e-mail]

Tweet me: @jillonmoney

Post a comment on this blog

[6fttall]

I am constantly in awe when listening to Jill. She is brilliant, hopeful, funny and always empathetic. She speaks to her callers like she is a 'friend'; truly caring, truly invested. Who else can make you laugh when you're talking about how scared you are about your financial life....