401 (k)s: Reboot Your Retirement - Open Your Statements!

The stock market was pretty scary for a while, but now with S&P 500 up 45% from the lows, it's time to wake up out of your fear-based stupor, open your 401 (k) statements and take control of your retirement!

Maggie Rodriguez of the CBS Early Show and I discussed how to proactively re-boot your 401 (k) by following some rational steps.

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The core lesson to be learned from a bear market is to understand what kind of investor you were during the depths of the lows. Here are three categories to consider:

1) SLEPT LIKE A BABY

Portfolio was less than 30% invested in risky assets, like stocks or real estate OR
You had more than 20 years before you needed the money OR
You were oblivious and/or in denial

2) RESTLESS SLEEPER

Portfolio had approximately 50% in risky assets OR
10-15 years before you needed the money OR
You knew you should be doing something, but didn't know what to do

3) INSOMNIAC

Portfolio had more than 70% in risky assets OR
Less than 10 years before you needed the money OR
Believed that the Great Depression was coming

Once you have done this, hop on the web and take a risk assessment test. After last year, you'll most certainly know the answer to the question, "How would you feel if your portfolio fell 20% in a single year?" While you're at it, figure out how much you need to save for retirement.

With that information in hand, here are some general guidelines for reallocating your money.

RISK TOLERANT

> 30 years: 50-70% risky assets
> 20 years: 40-60% risky assets
5-15 years: 30-40% risky assets

MEDIUM RISK TAKER

> 30 years: 40-60% risky assets
> 20 years: 5-30% risky assets
5-15 years: 0-30% risky assets

HAD TOO MUCH RISK--NEED TO SLEEP!

Reduce risk by at least half, maybe more
Don't chase the market higher
Save More

Finally, with all of the talk about asset allocation, there are three ways to impact your retirement savings:

Save more money-401(k) limit this year = $16,500 + $5,500 if > 50
Spend less in retirement years
Work longer-this has the most significant impact on retirement savings

Jill Schlesinger

View all articles by Jill Schlesinger on CBS MoneyWatch »
Jill Schlesinger, CFP®, is the Emmy-nominated, Business Analyst for CBS News. She covers the economy, markets, investing and anything else with a dollar sign on TV, radio (including her nationally syndicated radio show), the web and her blog, "Jill on Money." Prior to her second career at CBS, Jill spent 14 years as the co-owner and Chief Investment Officer for an independent investment advisory firm. She began her career as a self-employed options trader on the Commodities Exchange of New York, following her graduation from Brown University.

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