Clark Howard's allocation

[Travelwanted]

Many may be familiar with Clark Howard. If not he is a consumer advocate who hosts a talk show based in the Atlanta area. I believe he is now on HLN as well. Pretty savvy guy.

I found on his website his asset allocation:
50% stocks, 50% bonds
40% US, 60% international - stocks

total stock market, small cap, international index, emerging markets, high-yield tax exempt, long-term tax exempt, intermediate-term tax exempt, short-term tax exempt

I do plan to move away from my paid FA and take it over. I did my own investing for years so feel pretty comfortable. I am well aware of VG, Schwab, Fidelity.

When I FIRE in 2 years, I will be in my mid-40s. I do not want to become overly conservative so I am considering 60% stocks, 40% bonds. I will likely invest in Wellington and Wellesley as I like their mix. Will add international index also....not sure how much...10%? More?

With the bond funds I am concerned that in the low-rate environment that rates WILL go up and share price will drop. So not sure about investing in the short, int, or long term bond funds. Thoughts on duration?

Thanks!

 

[David1961]

I'd stick with short term bonds. Their share prices will not (or should not) go down as much when rates rise.

 

[GTFan]

Wow, there's no way I'd go that high with international given historical returns but Clark is worth many millions anyway so I'm sure it doesn't matter all that much.