12 Minimalist Portfolios You Don’t Have to Babysit

Not quite as simple as ‘VTSAX and chill,’ but pretty close. [Morningstar](?utm_source=eloqua&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_improvingfinances&utm_content=50174&elqTrackId=51a33133b7d0493a9c27e6a0ff717424&elq=0be5955825854af9b7ea5037eddce440&elqaid=50174&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=25104) [Improving Your Finances] Improving Your Finances with [Christine Benz]( [Christine Benz] One of my favorite presentations—[and one of the best-performing Morningstar videos]( on YouTube—is an oldie about how to build a portfolio that you don’t have to babysit. That’s a topic that I’ve revisited several times over the years, both in [articles]( and [videos](. Why am I so keen on low-maintenance, minimalist, no-babysitter-required portfolios? The main reason is that life can be busy and unpredictable; you may have periods in your life when you don’t have the time, inclination, or ability to manage your portfolio. Of course, you could use an all-in-one fund like a target-date fund; I’m a fan. But in retirement it’s helpful to be able to pick and choose where you go for cash each year, and that’s not an option with a single-fund solution. In up years for stocks, like 2019-21, trimming equities can provide cash flows and reduce risk in your portfolio. In years when stocks and bonds (2022, come on down!), pulling from cash is your best source of funds. I created 12 minimalist, no-babysitter-required portfolios for retirement savers as well as for people who are actively tapping their portfolios for their cash flow needs. The portfolios vary by risk parameters as well as their concern for tax efficiency; I’ve created some for tax-sheltered accounts and others for taxable. They’re all part of [my Model Portfolio series](. As I write this, it’s Giving Tuesday, and my email box is overflowing with donation requests. (I’ll bet yours is, too.) Morningstar.com is also overflowing with articles and videos about the financial aspect of charitable giving. I wrote about [three tax-friendly strategies for retirees]( and I also appreciated [this conversation about lifetime giving with author and blogger Mike Piper](. When I hear “lifetime giving” I think of very wealthy people and family foundations. But Mike’s point, which he makes vividly [in this conversation]( and in his book More Than Enough, is that people can make a big impact with smaller gifts. In a similar vein, The Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary and I discussed making financial gifts to loved ones. And in case you missed it, [I wrote about just such a gift]( that my husband and I received early in our marriage. My parents didn’t earn a tax break on that gift, but it was a game changer for all of us. With warm regards, Christine Benz [Create a Portfolio You Don't Have to Babysit]( In this special one-hour presentation, Morningstar director of personal finance Christine Benz and ETF expert Mike Rawson discuss how to build a low-maintenance, hands-free portfolio that will help you reach your financial goals. [Watch Now]( Share: [facebook]( [twitter]( [linkedin]( ADVERTISEMENT [media]( [media] [Our Best Investment Portfolio Examples for Savers and Retirees]( This series of portfolios from Morningstar's director of personal finance Christine Benz can help investors reach their financial goals. [Read More]( [5 Steps to a Minimalist Portfolio]( A guide to building an effective, low-maintenance portfolio. [Read More]( [How to Build a Portfolio You Don't Have to Babysit]( Morningstar is an investment research company offering mutual fund, ETF, and stock analysis, ratings, and data, and portfolio tools. Discover actionable insights today. [Watch Now]( [3 Tax-Friendly Charitable-Giving Strategies for Retirees]( Consider these ideas before filing your taxes. [Read More]( [Afraid to Give Your Money Away?]( Author Mike Piper shares his thoughts on barriers to giving when you have enough. [Read More]( [Mike Piper: Financial Considerations for People Who Have Enough]( How having sufficient assets for one’s own lifetime affects decision-making for investments, charitable giving, estate planning, and taxes. [Listen Today]( [We Need to Talk About Your Retirement ‘Spending’]( Big inheritances can be a sign of underconsumption and suboptimal planning. [Read More]( Listen Now Get the latest investing insights and market updates with [Morningstar’s podcasts]( available on your iPhone, iPad, Android, PC, or smart speaker. Stay connected: [twitter]( [facebook]( [linkedin]( [instagram]( [YouTube]( [Apple News]( [View online]( | [See all newsletters]( | [Share your feedback]( [Unsubscribe]( from this newsletter. Or update your [email preferences](. © 2023 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 22 W. Washington St. Chicago, IL 60602