Set it and forget it investment? (20 yrs+)

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I've been pretty disappointed with the target date funds (2045) where my retirement funds are going. Any suggestions for other long term options that I don't plan on touching for another 25-30 years? Should I put a percentage into just an index fund? TIA.

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I'm kind of amazed by all these posts lately complaining about mutual fund progress.

How long have you been in the market?
What's your rate of return over the past 5 years?
I'm assuming you're reinvesting dividends?

The only thing that I can find wrong with target dates are there ~35% exposure to international stocks, but just because the US has outperformed doesn't mean you don't need emerging markets, Europe, and Asia long term.

If you think you can do better try indexing. If you want to beat indexing, good luck.
Sector specific etfs can be good (VDE, VDC, VPU, VAW, etc.) but then you're trying to time the market.

TLDR; Switch from World to US stocks if you're unhappy. VTSAX

Thanks for the insight.

Interesting to see a VTSAX vs my VTIVX:

https://www.google.com/search?safe=off&tbm=fin&q=MUTF:+VTSAX&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgecRozi3w8sc9YSm9SWtOXmPU4OIKzsgvd80rySypFJLiYoOyBKT4uHj00_UNK8uTCitM0s14AKG8yOg8AAAA&biw=1920&bih=938#scso=_yBUZXKWnAYTesAW10JygAg2:0&smids=/g/1ywbr0s5z&wptab=COMPARE

I think it's a pretty damn good time to start buying into Chinese stocks. They are in a devastating market over there at the moment. It won't last forever.

Not saying to put it all in China equities, but it'd be a good time to start racking up some shares.

For the initial question, I'd seriously look into some REITS - specifically AMT, O, DLR.. those are proven steady performers and the dividends will be protected in your retirement account.

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Target dates suck

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compared to what the majority of people are invested in, I would say this is a bit harsh.

I look at emerging markets all day long. Foreign markets are a pain in the arse but I’ve never really seen hiccups due to market circumstances (not to say that doesn’t happen, I’ve just never seen it). More like on top of your initial investment, you have several further layers of operations to support you for your particular tastes. At least on the institutional level

Meh. Look I get most here can’t put together a 50 stock portfolio or manage that like a mutual fund. But if you cannot at least research and. pick mutual funds and have to instead rely on a target date fund...............well...........

They’re too conservative and not good allocations for me. Regardless of whatever expense ratio you’re paying. I can’t lazily invest like that. Not me. Maybe for average Jimmy’s and Joes.

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Here’s the BIG problem. Target date funds, although easy, can sometimes eat away at your returns. Or stated just a bit more bluntly– They suck!

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Target date funds were created to take away the hassle of having to research the mutual funds in your 401k and build and construct your own portfolio. But in my experience, taking the time to do the research and, essentially, build your own target date funds in your 401k, is a much better option. It’s this “a la carte” approach that can potentially give you much higher returns over your working life.

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