Allocation/Investment Selection Help Needed

[eytonxav]

I need a good sounding board and to this end, have learned there is no better place to get objective financial advice than thru the membership here.  My situation involves planning for RE in another 3 years at 59.5, although job situation could force me to go earlier.  I am in process of restructuring my portfolio, so that I can hopefully go into the buy/hold mode without loosing sleep at night or constantly watching the markets.  My prior portfolio has left me feeling like humpty dumpty, so some adjustments are badly needed. 

I am considering a new allocation as follows:

large cap  -  11%
mid cap - 6%
small cap - 3%
international - 10%
reit - 7%
emerging market - 2%
high yield/pref.  - 5%
fixed income (tips, short-interm bonds, CD laddar, GMNA CMOs) - 51%
cash equiv - 5%

Would like to structure as more of a value and core oriented approach versus a growth play and would like low volatility (< 7%).  In today's $s, I want to be able to generate $60K per year in income on port of ~ $1.5M, without eating principal.  I am looking at trying a blended best of the best approach with DFA, Vanguard and ETFs for equities including both index and actively managed, while keeping costs down.

Would appreciate input on how the allocation/plan looks and what funds and ETFs do you think should be in a portfolio that combines DFA, Vanguard and ETFs?  Should I consider any other asset classes? Also, I am sitting on prettly large cash position and am wondering whether to DVA into equities or try to catch a down market over the next 60 days and pluge all at once?  Other suggestions

Thanks,

DFW

 

[Nords]

I need a good sounding board and to this end, have learned there is no better place to get objective financial advice than thru the membership here. 

Actually I think there is a better place, because many of us visit there. While you'll still get at least three pages of analysis, opinion, & advice here, for real depth of field you should post at RADDR's Market Theory & Investment Strategy board.