Retired and worried about my investments… What should I do?

I get it—if you’re young and working, the best move is to ignore the noise and keep investing in total market funds. If I were 20-50 years old and still working, I’d do the same.

But I’m 65 and retired. I spent my whole life saving so I wouldn’t have to worry about money in retirement. Now, with everything happening in the economy and government, I feel uneasy. It seems like those in charge are dismantling protections for investors and making moves that could crash the economy.

Right now, I have 70% in equities (funds) and 30% in money market accounts. I need this money to last another 30 years. I’ve never been a big fan of bonds, but I keep wondering if 70% in stocks is too risky at my age, especially with all these unqualified billionaires running things and replacing experienced people. Maybe I need to shift to more capital-preserving investments.

Any recommendations for low-cost Fidelity funds that are safer but still have some growth potential?

@Beckett
I’ve been watching my account go up and down like crazy the past 10 days. But if I rebalance Wednesday, I don’t think it’s bad timing—I’m still up 15-25% this year.

Zen said:
@Beckett
I’ve been watching my account go up and down like crazy the past 10 days. But if I rebalance Wednesday, I don’t think it’s bad timing—I’m still up 15-25% this year.

Take a deep breath. Best advice I ever got—don’t do anything.

@Wynn
Yeah, that’s why I don’t always tell people to avoid financial advisors. Even though I don’t use one, some people need someone to remind them not to panic sell. Just having someone tell you to stay calm can be worth the fees.

@Wynn
A friend of mine freaked out in 2015 during a morning sell-off. He was managing his own portfolio and couldn’t stop looking at his phone. He ignored his broker’s advice and sold at the lowest point of the day… only for the market to fully recover by close. Lost about $10k for no reason. He’s a super smart guy, but that moment made me question his decision-making.

He hired a fiduciary after that and now tries not to check the market too often. Sometimes the best move is doing nothing at all.

@Wynn
Yeah, my brother said the same thing. He was a stockbroker in the ‘70s (if that even matters here).

@Beckett
The market will drop and recover. The big tech stocks still drive everything.

Honestly, some of these posts crack me up. I hate to take advantage of panic sellers, but I do it anyway.

Not trying to be rude, but avoiding bonds might hurt you in retirement. It’s fine to hold cash, but you need a balance between stocks, fixed income, and cash. A financial planner could help assess your situation and make sure your money lasts as long as you need it to.

@Fin
Appreciate the advice! I actually have an appointment with a financial advisor this Wednesday. Looks like I need to start warming up to bonds.

Zen said:
@Fin
Appreciate the advice! I actually have an appointment with a financial advisor this Wednesday. Looks like I need to start warming up to bonds.

That’s great—best of luck!

@Flynt
Finding a good advisor is tricky. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a good sign. Also, avoid anyone pushing annuities or insurance right off the bat. If that’s their first pitch, run.

@Flynt
Why aren’t all financial advisors required to be fiduciaries?

There’s an ETF that caps losses at 1% but also limits gains to 12%. Personally, I’d stick with a high-yield savings account for now. Not financial advice, just my opinion.

Blaine said:
There’s an ETF that caps losses at 1% but also limits gains to 12%. Personally, I’d stick with a high-yield savings account for now. Not financial advice, just my opinion.

Funny, someone in NYC finance told me the same thing. Money markets are pulling around 4% right now.

@Zen
Yeah, and if the market crashes, you can jump back in later and catch the rebound. I’m sitting mostly in cash right now and getting 3.75% while I wait. I day trade, but I’m not holding anything long-term.

@Blaine
Holding that much cash is risky too.

Hari said:
@Blaine
Holding that much cash is risky too.

I’m not 100% in cash, but close. Just started buying into OXY and INTC.

Hari said:
@Blaine
Holding that much cash is risky too.

Not a risk when I’m earning 3.75% just sitting on it. I also day trade, so I’m not holding long anyway.

I use SGOV—works like a high-yield savings account, pays a monthly dividend, and no state taxes.

@Sorrell
SGOV holds very short-term bonds (under a month). It’s about as safe as it gets.