Need to do something with IRA...advice please

[ua_guy]

A few months back I consolidated two old employers-sponsored retirement funds into a traditional IRA. Long story short, I moved it all into a cash fund for easy liquidity if I needed it. I didn't need it, and I'm ready to reinvest it.

I don't currently contribute to it. I contribute only to my 403b, this year 15-20% of my inocme.

I now have that traditional IRA and an employer-sponsored 403b. The 403b is invested in a target retirement date type fund, but I need to do something with the IRA to get it working for me again.

I'm overwhelmed/confused by the wide range of funds. I know basic risk/return, and I look at the expense ratios and it makes my stomach turn. There's so many to choose from. Do I just pick another target date fund and try to find the best one? I'm with Fidelity, so I assume my choices are stuck there.

Does anyone have any kind advice?

[Petunia 100]

Do you have access to the Fidelity Freedom Index Funds? If so, that would be an excellent way to invest your trad IRA money. I am less enthusiastic about the actively-mangaged Freedom funds, but that would be an adequate choice.

[feh]

Does anyone have any kind advice?

You seem to be mired in the details. I suggest you put together a high level plan first.

Start here: http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogle...g_start-up_kit

[ua_guy]

Do you have access to the Fidelity Freedom Index Funds? If so, that would be an excellent way to invest your trad IRA money. I am less enthusiastic about the actively-mangaged Freedom funds, but that would be an adequate choice.

I believe I do. I'll check it out.

You seem to be mired in the details. I suggest you put together a high level plan first.

Start here: http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogle...g_start-up_kit

I appreciate the link. Yes, I feel like I could spend years learning the "game" of investing, all the different strategies, funds, markets, and then tracking the progress/changes is arguably a full-time career, and it is for some. I guess what I need is a basic plan to point out the big variables, and then go from there. I'll read through the link. Keep the suggestions coming.

My 403b is all in a target-date retirement fund, "set it and forget it." I know that expense rations stunt individual returns over time and that I could probably do better by investing that money myself if I knew more. It all feels like fake/play money anyway and there's no guarantee that it will be there for me when I need it. There are no consequences for the fund managers that take risks and invest them poorly; it's someone else's money and they'll just find another job or sell their skills to a different fund or investment firm.

At the very least, since most of my retirement money is tied up in this traditional IRA, I need to get it moving. I could lose anywhere from 3-7% return opportunity this year by not taking any action.

[feh]

Yes, I feel like I could spend years learning the "game" of investing, all the different strategies, funds, markets, and then tracking the progress/changes is arguably a full-time career, and it is for some.

Investing is a topic where you can go as deep as you want - certainly all your spare time could be consumed with it, if you so desire.

However, the basics can be learned in a few hours. Anybody who is investing should do that at a minimum (sadly, most don't). The basics (simple asset allocation, index funds, asset location) can get you very far.

[gorgopietro]

Don't steal work...

I agree with who think that many investment plan have a high expennce ratio...I add that often this cost aren't justify (e.g. I can't pay a fund that work replicating the eurostock index but this fund is included in the category of fund that make active portfolio management).

Said that, the good management of the money (maybe that a person save with effort) is a serious topic.

For good management I consider when your financial advisor help you to plan your investment according your risk aversion, the target return and your timeline.

I don't understand why I shouldn't pay this kind of service as I pay the service that I recive in a restourant (the chef prepare food for me and the waiter bring me the plate).

Of course, I can find another restourant where the food is good and at the same time I pay less...

For me the best is (for who haven't basis in financial theme) is choose the right investors that leave me satisfy at the end of my timeline (with the hope return)...This isn't easy but I think is better spend time for find the bast Fund or Manager of my money instead to study the financial market

[MatthewC]

Self-education on stocks

ua_guy, here is my recommendation if you want to take the shortcut to learning about stocks : Go out (or head over to Amazon) and buy yourself a copy of What Works on Wall Street (Fourth Edition). This book will tell you what works. It uses more than 4 decades worth of market data and is based on actual results, not personal market theories.

Following this, you need to get yourself some Excel skills if you want to put what you learn from that book into practice. I recommend a site called Excel Exposure. If you learn what is there, you will learn all you need. (You just need to think of how to apply what you learn) - You can Google this site

Besides knowing what works and being able to apply it, you need market data. Use Google to search for "Finviz". This will give you market data. It is the very same market data I use myself (and it is free).