We've constructed three portfolios using only funds from the Kiplinger 25, a list of our favorite no-load mutual funds, designed for investors with different goals, time horizons and levels of risk tolerance.
Use the models below as a starting point for your own portfolio. Tweak where necessary. Beef up your stocks if you want to be more aggressive, or increase the bond portion of your portfolio if you're risk-averse.
Kiplinger 25 Model Portfolios
1. Aggressive Portfolio
Time horizon: 11 years or more
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Strategy: Invest 80% of assets in stocks and add a stable, core bond fund for the remaining 20%.
Dodge & Cox Income (DODIX): 20%
Dodge & Cox Stock (DODGX): 20%
Primecap Odyssey Growth (POGRX): 20%
Fidelity International Growth (FIGFX): 10%
T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Value (PRSVX): 10%
Oberweis Small-Cap Opportunities (OBSOX): 10%
Baron Emerging Markets (BEXFX): 5%
Brown Capital Management International Small Company (BCSVX): 5%
2. Moderate Portfolio
Time horizon: Six to 10 years
Strategy: Hold 70% in stocks and 30% in bonds for a more temperate mix.
T. Rowe Price Dividend Growth (PRDGX): 20%
Baird Aggregate Bond (BAGSX): 15%
Dodge & Cox Stock (DODGX): 15%
Fidelity International Growth (FIGFX): 15%
Fidelity Strategic Income (FADMX): 15%
Janus Henderson Global Equity Income (HFQTX): 10%
DF Dent Midcap Growth (DFDMX): 5%
T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Value (PRSVX): 5%
3. Conservative Portfolio
Time horizon: Five years or less
Strategy: A steadier blend of 70% bonds and 30% stocks geared primarily for income.
Dodge & Cox Income (DODIX): 25%
T. Rowe Price Dividend Growth (PRDGX): 15%
Vanguard Equity Income (VEIPX): 15%
Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade (VFSTX): 15%
Fidelity Strategic Income (FADMX): 10%
T. Rowe Price Floating Rate (PRFRX): 5%
Vanguard Emerging Markets Bond (VEMBX): 5%
Vanguard High-Yield Corporate (VWEHX): 5%
Vanguard Wellington (VWELX): 5%
Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.
Related content
- The Kiplinger Dividend 15: Our Favorite Dividend-Paying Stocks
- Kip ETF 20: The Best Cheap ETFs You Can Buy
- Kiplinger ESG 20: Our Favorite ESG Stock and Fund Picks for Investors
-
What Is the Buffett Indicator?"It is better to be roughly right than precisely wrong," writes Carveth Read in "Logic: Deductive and Inductive." That's the premise of the Buffett Indicator.
-
This One Area of Americans' Retirement Readiness Gets a Bad GradeMillions of Americans score poorly on retirement readiness due to this Achilles' heel. Are you prepared?
-
What Is the Buffett Indicator?
"It is better to be roughly right than precisely wrong," writes Carveth Read in "Logic: Deductive and Inductive." That's the premise of the Buffett Indicator.
-
10 Major AI Companies You Should KnowThese 10 AI companies are at the forefront of machine learning. Find out how they’re driving innovation and jostling to be the biggest players in the game.
-
How Baby Boomers and Gen Xers Are Redefining Retirement LivingBoth generations need to embrace change and leverage real estate as a dynamic asset in their retirement planning. Here's how financial advisers can help, too.
-
How Good Advisers Manage Risk in Challenging MarketsThey understand the difference between what might be real challenges to an investor's strategy and fear brought on by market volatility.
-
Financial Planning's Paradox: Balancing Riches and True WealthWhile enough money is important for financial security, it does not guarantee fulfillment. How can retirees and financial advisers keep their eye on the ball?
-
A Confident Retirement Starts With These Four StrategiesWork your way around income gaps, tax gaffes and Social Security insecurity with some thoughtful planning and analysis.
-
Should You Still Wait Until 70 to Claim Social Security?Delaying Social Security until age 70 will increase your benefits. But with shortages ahead, and talk of cuts, is there a case for claiming sooner?
-
Retirement Planning for Couples: How to Plan to Be So Happy TogetherPlanning for retirement as a couple is a team sport that takes open communication, thoughtful planning and a solid financial strategy.
