Suitability
Updated 03/16/99
What is an acceptable investment?
No one sensible suggests shorting technology stocks to widows and orphans. No one
sensible suggests certificates of deposit long-term for young, double-income, healthy
couples. Seek help if you do not agree with these statements.
The tougher question is "What is sensible?" for a typical FastTracker - -
who, by in large, fall into difficult in between categories.
Goals, Goals, Goals
"If you don't know where you're going, any old map
will do". (Alice in Wonderland).
If you do not understand your financial goals, then FastTrack is of no use to
you. Put it back in the box and get a refund. Or, do some home work. All investors want to
make a lot of money fast with no risk. Let's start by dismissing that goal. The right
starting point is "How much do I need to make?". Quicken Financial Planner
($39.95 at CompUSA and other stores) is a great tool for that purpose. GET IT! Nothing in
FastTrack will help you set your sights quicker.
7-10% Annual Return
If you only need 7-10% annually, then buy and hold the following mutual funds
- Gateway Index Plus, GATEX
- The Merger Fund, MERFX
- Gabelli ABC, GABCX
These funds pursue conservative strategies that produce more return than money market
and CD's. Mutual funds in the BD-JUNK family
of mutual funds timed with a 25-Day moving average are another alternative.
10-13% Annual Return for the next 20 years
Buy broad-based equity mutual funds, and hold them forever,
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