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Asset Optimizer

1. Approximately what portion of your total "investable assets" -- the dollar amount of the investments you currently have -- will this investment represent?

Less than 25%">
Between 25 and 50%
Between 51 and 75%
More than 75%

2. Which ONE of the following describes your expected future earnings over the next five years?
(assume inflation will average 4%)

I expect my earnings increases will far outpace inflation (due to promotions, new job, etc.)
I expect my earnings increases to stay somewhat ahead of inflation.
I expect my earnings to keep pace with inflation.
I expect my earnings to decrease. (Retirement, part-time work, economically-depressed industry, etc.)

3. Approximately what portion of your monthly take-home income goes toward paying off installment debt (auto loans, credit cards, etc.) other than a home mortage?

Less than 10%
Between 10% and 25%
Between 25% and 50%
More than 50%

4. How many dependents do you have?

5. Do you have an emergency fund?

6. If you expect to have other major expenses (such as college tuition, home down payment, home repairs, etc.) do you have a separate savings plan for these expenses?

Yes, I have a separate savings plan for these expenses.
I do not expect to have any such expenses.
I intend to withdraw a portion of this money for these expenses.
I have no separate savings plan for these items at this time.

7. Have you ever invested in individual bonds or bond mutual funds?

No, and I would be uncomfortable with the risk if I did.
No, but I would be comfortable with the risk if I did.
Yes, but I was uncomfortable with the risk.
Yes, and I felt comfortable with the risk.

8. Have you ever invested in individual stocks or stock mutual funds?

No, and I would be uncomfortable with the risk if I did.
No, but I would be comfortable with the risk if I did.
Yes, but I was uncomfortable with the risk.
Yes, and I felt comfortable with the risk.

9. Which ONE of the following statements describes your feelings towards choosing an investment?

I would only select investments that have a low degree of risk associated with them (i.e. it is unlikely I will lose my original investment).
I prefer to select a mix of investments with emphasis on those with a low degree of risk and a small portion in others that have a higher degree of risk that may yield greater returns.
I prefer to select a balanced mix of investments -- some that have a low degree of risk, but with emphasis on others that have a higher degree of risk that may yield greater returns.
I prefer to select an aggressive mix of investments -- some that have a low degree of risk, but with emphasis on others that have a higher degree of risk that may yield greater returns.
I would only select an investment that has a higher degree of risk and a greater potential for higher returns.

10. If you could increase your chances of improving your returns by taking more risk, would you:

Be willing to take a lot more risk with all your money.
Be willing to take a lot more risk with some of your money.
Be willing to take a little more risk with all your money.
Be willing to take a little more risk with some of your money.
Be unlikely to take much more risk.

11. In approximately how many years do you expect to need the money you're investing?

2-3 years
4-6 years
7-10 years
10-15 years
More than 15 years

12. Do you expect to withdraw more than one-third of the money in this account?

No
If Yes, when do you expect to withdraw from the account?
Within 3 years
4-6 years
7-10 years

Based on your answers to the above questions, our Asset Optimizer has awarded you a total point score. Compare that point score to the point ranges in the boxes below, then use the portfolios below as a guide.

Return to Financial Planning Guide

If you're investing for less than two years:

Score: 0 to 75

Chart2.gif (2700 bytes)

Score: 76 to 132

Chart3.gif (2664 bytes)

Score: 133 to 179

Chart4.gif (2615 bytes)

Score: 180 or more

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