In a previous article I discussed the importance of matching the investment strategy used to expected market conditions. Using the wrong strategy at the wrong time can be devastating—as many found out in 2000-2002. In follow up articles I provided specific strategies to significantly increase portfolio income, and other strategies designed to double your money every 5-7 years in single-digit return markets.

Perhaps you’ve decided to make changes to your portfolio. It may be to take advantage of the strategies I’ve discussed. Or it could be because your life situation and needs have changed. Or it might be that you’ve neglected your portfolio garden and there are as many weeds as vegetables. Regardless of the reason, keep these steps in mind. They’re the ones I follow when transitioning a client’s portfolio.

1) You need to analyze your existing portfolio. Take a close inventory of your investments and research their performance. The last thing you want to do is to cut down the wrong plants while you are weeding your garden!

You can find performance information for many investments at www.morningstar.com. It takes more work but it’s better to calculate your actual return. Subtract what you invested into a particular holding from what it’s worth now. If dividends and interest aren’t being reinvested, then add any dividends/interest paid to that figure. Divide that figure by your initial amount invested. For instance, if the result is .015, then that investment earned 1.5%. Look at that return in relation to the length of time you’ve held it to determine whether or not it needs to go.

2) You may need to change your attitude toward investments. It’s easy to become attached to a particular investment. Don’t. It’s there to make you money. If it does, great. If not, find another that will. Constantly ask yourself, “If I were investing this money today, would I buy this investment?” If not, then it’s a weed.

3) See if there are surrender penalties or other charges associated with getting rid of the weeds. If it is a mutual fund, there are penalties associated with B shares and sometimes with C shares. Annuities are notorious for onerous penalties.

4) Wait for the right time to sell your weeds. There may be an investment that you want to change that is currently trending up. Don’t sell it then; wait until it starts to decline in value. Doing this for my clients has earned them several percent just by watching and waiting.

5) Conversely, after the weed is sold, don’t feel rushed to jump right into another investment. There are cycles to every type of investment. Wait for the right time. If it’s a stock, determine a buy ceiling—you’ll only buy it if it trades at or below that price. Then wait. Even if it takes months, it’s better to keep that money in cash than to pay too much.

6) Closely tend your new garden. We can’t throw some seeds in the ground, ignore them and expect to come back later to reap a harvest. Gardens must be tended. So does a portfolio. No matter what the investment, it is important for you to monitor each one and to make adjustments when necessary.

Many advisors want you to think that if you buy a certain product, all your worries will be gone. You can set it and forget it, they say. It’s not true. In these cases, they are the ones who are going to set it and forget it! You’re better on your own than using one of these advisors.

Like gardening, investing is hard work. There are some that really enjoy it, while others just want the harvest. If you don’t have the time to properly tend your garden then find a professional who will do it for you. Ask them how they would transition your portfolio. If they don’t follow these steps it’s a clear sign they aren’t the advisor for you.

I’ll personally respond to your questions, free of charge. Go to http://www.guardingyourwealth.com and click on ‘Ask Jeff’.

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In addition to being a nationally syndicated columnist and Certified Financial Planning Practitioner, Mr. Voudrie provides personal, private money management services to clients nationwide.

Nationally-syndicated financial columnist and Certified Financial Planner® Jeffrey Voudrie provides personal, in-depth money management services and advice to select private clients throughout the USA. He’ll answer your financial question – FREE at http://www.guardingyourwealth.com