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Is your portofolio overloaded with risk? update 9 5 2023



Worried you have too much risk in the stock market?

 

 

Although I have been in the markets for close to half a century, my wife on occasion worries about the inherent risk when it comes to owning stocks. To appease the concern, I built a reduced risk portfolio using what I have learned over the years.

Starting with plain old cash, I hold at least 6-9 months of our “burn rate” in savings and checking accounts which secures financing our daily life should something happen threatening our liquidity.

 

Next comes a basket of CDs. I ladder maturity dates which means buying 3, 6, 9 &12 month issues and going out to about 3 years. I don’t go out further than that as I just don’t know what will happen in the grand scheme of things years out.

 

Treasury bills can have similar characteristics to Cds, being issued by the good faith and credit of the US government. Holding both CDs and treasuries just seems a bit more diversified then all CDs. Keep in mind, selling prior to the maturity date could result in a partial loss of principal. I won’t go into details here, just know if you buy a two year CD, for example, and sell it early, you could take a haircut on the principal.

 

Next comes a smattering of corporate bonds of solid companies. I prefer large, well-known companies. Corporate bonds are debt that pay an interest rate, and generally regarded as less volatile compared to holding a stock. Here once again, I choose the shorter duration‘s that are similar to the durations listed above in my CD portfolio. I’ll also then add tax free municipal bonds, which can be free from federal and state taxes if the correct type of bonds are chosen. Just make sure you have a crystal clear understanding of each holding’s tax implications.

 

Next are two types of annuities. The first is a “Fixed Indexed” annuity. This type of annuity may offer a partial participation in stock market increases, but protects you against down market periods. Participation rates, fees, early withdrawal penalties, and terms and conditions vary with each annuity so make sure you understand all the mechanics in any annuity you are considering. Keep in mind that annuities are not US government guaranteed but instead are guaranteed by the underlying insurance company issuing them.

 

I then add what I call an “Income” annuity. This annuity offers you a certain percentage rate, depending on what age you decide to turn on the income period. In general, the longer you wait to turn on the income, the higher the percentage will be on the payments. The payments are for life fixed at that percentage rate. Holding both a growth and income annuity, since they operate differently, can be another step in my target of a wide diversification strategy with downside protection attributes.

 

Next on my list would be adding some real estate investment trusts, known as REITS. I use the publicly traded REITS which are listed in the common stock journals. REIT payments may be higher than some dividend paying stocks which why I consider them. Keep in mind that REITS can go up and down in price like a stock and payments are not guaranteed. I look for the large REITS with good analyst reviews and strong financials. Because REITS make money from the rents received from properties they own, they may not be as susceptible to stock market movements as other securities may be.

 

Next, I’ll look at called “Aristocrat “dividend paying stocks. Dividends are periodic payments to holders of the stock. Aristocrat stocks are companies that have increased their dividend payments to investors every year for at least 25 years, and some of them have track records of 30, 40, or 50 years or more of annually increasing payments. Think of a dividend payment as a thank you from the company for owning their stock. Know that dividends can be cut, eliminated or increased by the Board of Directors at any time. Although Aristocrat stocks have impressive track records, there are many great companies that also pay dividends, but have not made it onto the aristocrat list. As a general rule, the dividends from aristocrat stocks may be less than those that are not aristocratic stocks, as you may be paying for the aristocrat track record of annually increased payments.

 

Finally, not wanting to be completely out of the more volatile part of the stock market, I tend to add a few growth stocks of solid companies that I think may have a good chance of having their stock prices rise significantly over time. There is always risk, but utilizing the above strategy may reduce risk over an all stock portfolio.

 

In conclusion, since today’s market, in my opinion, seems to be more susceptible to a volatility compared to what I have seen in previous decades, I tend to lean more into a portfolio of this type when it comes to my personal holdings.

  “Watching the markets so you don’t have to”   

(end)   

(As mentioned please use the below disclaimer exactly) THANKS   (Regulations)   

This article expresses the opinion of Marc Cuniberti and is not meant as investment advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any securities, nor represents the opinion of any bank, investment firm or RIA, nor this media outlet, its staff, members or underwriters. Mr. Cuniberti holds a B.A. in Economics with honors, 1979, and California Insurance License #0L34249. His insurance agency is BAP INC. that can be contacted at (530)559-1214. Email: news@moneymanagementradio.com   

 


 

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Marc Cuniberti (530)559-1214

 

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Insurance can protect you and your family from undue hardship. Some life insurance policies also provide tax-advantaged savings that you can draw on to achieve goals like buying a house or retiring comfortably. I have access to a variety of insurance products that can help meet your security planning needs. No matter your personal situation—if you’re single or in a family; a professional or a seasonal employee; an executive or small business owner—we will work together to design a customized plan.

  • Life
  • Medicare
  • Long-term care
  • Fire Insurance
  • Auto
  • Business
  • Long Term Care
  • Liabilty
  • Event Liability
  • Annuities for income and growth

A Word about Life insurance:

In the event of death, life insurance may offer surviving family members financial security. As a tax-free lump sum payment, it can pay for final expenses and debts, as well as provide income for the deceased’s dependents.

 

The advantages of life insurance include:

An instant estate for your loved ones at a time when funds are most needed

  • Death benefits that are almost always non-taxable for named beneficiaries
  • Avoid probate costs if you name a beneficiary other than your estate
  • Potentially offer your loved ones creditor protection through some life insurance plans
  • Build tax-advantaged capital for retirement purposes or provide liquid savings through some permanent life insurance plans

Long-term Care, Disability and Critical Illness insurance, Lifetime income strategies and Medicare:

Help protect one of your most valuable assets – your income – from unexpected events through long-term care, disability and critical illness insurance.

Income is important for both current financial obligations (e.g. grocery bills and mortgage payments) and for future financial security (e.g. planning for your children’s education or for retirement). Just think what might happen if you suddenly lost your income stream through a long-term illness or disability.

Long-term care and disability insurance products help protect your ability to earn an income, which can be affected if you are afflicted by a disability or other condition.

Questions about Medicare? 

I can help navigage the programs.

I can also help you choose the long-term care and disability insurance products that provide advantages like:

  • May assist in transfer of assets. 
  • Help loved ones 
  • Assist with paying fixed expenses for your business if you become disabled
  • Support the buy-out of a disabled partner’s share of a business.

Critical illness insurance and Medicare Policies

Suffering a critical illness is distressing for both you and your family. Help ease the burden through insurance that will reduce financial stresses and can complement disability and life insurance protection needs. By helping pay for the additional expenses often associated with a critical illness or condition, insurance offers you, your family, and if applicable, your business, added financial security—so you can focus on recovery.

The advantages of critical illness insurance can include:

  • Coverage for up to 22 critical illnesses or conditions
  • An initial lump-sum benefit you can use however you wish—from making mortgage payments to seeking medical treatment outside Canada
  • Home-care costs during illness and recovery periods
  • Even if you’re not disabled from working, you may receive payment
  • The ability to provide a return of premium benefit (optional)
  • Individuals who cannot obtain disability insurance in some cases still qualify for critical illness coverage (e.g. a non-income earning spouse)
  • Medicare Policies and information. Let me walk you through the best options for your situation

Contact me today to determine whether critical illness insurance fits into your financial security plan.

 

There are also new “hybrid” plans available that combine the benefits of life insurance or annuities with long term care coverage and at a cost that may be more affordable than you think. Contact me today so we can assess your needs and develop the best strategies for your specific situation to give you the peace of mind you require and protect your family and loved ones.

 

Mark (Marc) Cuniberti- California Department of Insurance License # OL34249

 

Take a minute to contact Marc directly to schedule a no obligation phone call or meeting:

 

Email: mcuniberti@vantageauburn.com

(530)559-1214

Link for services here: https://www.vantageauburn.com/marc-s-services

 

 

This website expresses the opinions of Marc Cuniberti. Past performance does not guarantee results.

Insurance Solutions offered by Marc Cuniberti and not affliated with Vantage Financial Group.