Dave Says: Retirement Blend

Dear Dave,

My husband and I are debt-free. Recently I learned that I have a blended fund for retirement. Do you think I should switch to self-chosen funds? I have $26,000 invested at the moment.

Marina

Dear Marina,

My advice is to move your money into self-chosen funds. The problem with blended funds is not that they are blended, but that they'll move it around based on your age and where they perceive you to be in life. You won't even realize it's happening. I want you to be a lot more intentional with your money and know what's happening every step of the way.

With self-chosen funds you can look at them and say, "Those are my funds." Then, if down the road you decide one isn't doing as well as you like, you can move the money to a different fund. With blended funds it's almost like having a babysitter for your money. You're not the one watching the kids, and to me that's a big mistake.

There shouldn't be a lot of fees inside your 401(k) when it comes to trading funds. There's a good chance there won't be any fees at all, especially if you stay within the same company. Check into it, Marina, and talk to your human resources people. They can give you all the details.

—Dave