Many investors incline to take more risks in their investment for the hope of higher returns. Even though in some point this decision put risk into their retirement investments and their retirement planning as general. Moreover, risk aversion by investors seeking safe investment only, making the prospect of increased efficiency gains. Common investor also needs knowledge of the various types of investments he or she can choose from. (more…)

The last ten to fifteen years have been financially very good for most of us. With a little effort and a lot of market tailwind, our retirement accounts have grown at an amazing rate. With annual stock returns as high as 20% or more, most of us who have private retirement investment accounts (401K, IRA, etc.) were feeling pretty good. In most areas of the U.S. real estate values spiraled up and up. The combination made many of us who owned homes and stock/bond investments paper millionaires. Then along comes 2008. Our stock investment portfolio values dropped 35-40% and our once fat equity position in real estate rapidly shrunk. Your retirement account doesn’t look so secure anymore. (more…)