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Determining your investment style

  

What’s your investing style?

We know it may seem daunting to decide how to allocate your retirement dollars. That’s why we’ve provided the quiz below to help you determine your investing style. Your total score will suggest a sample portfolio that shows a mix of investment categories that may be right for you.

Your investing style depends on factors such as:

  • Your risk tolerance.
  • The number of years you have until retirement.
  • Your current income and potential earning power.
  • Your savings goals.
  • The likelihood you’ll need access to your money before retirement.

1. In pursuit of higher long term returns, I am willing to accept annual returns that vary...
Greatly
Significantly
Moderately
Somewhat
Very Little

2. I’m willing to tolerate periodic declines in the value of my retirement account if that’s what it takes to achieve potentially higher long-term returns.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Agree Somewhat
Disagree Somewhat
Strongly Disagree

3. My concern over the long-term effect of inflation on my retirement account is...
Very High
High
Medium
Low
Very Low

4. I expect to start using my retirement plan money in...
More than 20 years
16 to 20 years
11 to 15 years
6 to 10 years
5 or less years

5. Show me the sample portfolio for...
Faculty 401(a) Plan
Optional 403(b) and 457 Plans
All plans


Your Likely Sample Portfolio is:

 

Jump to portfolio: Conservative | Moderately Conservative | Moderate | Moderately Aggressive | Aggressive

Sample portfolios1
The sample portfolios shown suggest an investment mix that may be right for you. To learn more about the specific investment options available to you, go to and link to the descriptions for each investment option. A portfolio different from those shown may be more appropriate for your situation.

Conservative
Designed primarily for people who want a low level risk, this portfolio has lower growth potential and low levels of volatility. May be appropriate for people who:

  • Have less than five years before retirement income is needed.
  • Are looking for a very conservative way to accumulate money for retirement.
  • Are cautious, first-time investors.
Faculty 401(a) Plan
 Optional 403(b) and 457 Plan
Faculty 401(a) Plan
Optional 403(b) and 457 Plan

Moderately Conservative
A portfolio with an emphasis on income but with a moderate exposure to stocks. May be appropriate for people who:

  • Have less than 10 years before retirement income is needed.
  • Prefer income-oriented investments but want some protection against inflation.
  • Are cautious, first-time investors.
Faculty 401(a) Plan
 Optional 403(b) and 457 Plan
Faculty 401(a) Plan
Optional 403(b) and 457 Plan

Moderate
A portfolio that provides a blend of growth, income and stability. May be appropriate for people who:

  • Have 10 to 15 years before retirement income is needed.
  • Are somewhat concerned about inflation.
  • Are mainly interested in investments with growth potential but desire greater diversification.
  • Are willing and able to accept moderate levels of risk.
Faculty 401(a) Plan
 Optional 403(b) and 457 Plan
Faculty 401(a) Plan
Optional 403(b) and 457 Plan

Moderately Aggressive
This portfolio focuses on growth while offering moderate income and stability. May be appropriate for people who:

  • Have more than 15 years before retirement income is needed.
  • Have a high degree of concern about inflation.
  • Are more experienced investors with a desire for greater diversification.
  • Are able to tolerate short-term market down periods and volatility to achieve greater long-term growth.
Faculty 401(a) Plan
 Optional 403(b) and 457 Plan
Faculty 401(a) Plan
Optional 403(b) and 457 Plan

Aggressive
This portfolio is suitable for people who can tolerate higher degrees of fluctuation in the value of their investment. May be appropriate for people who:

  • Have more than 20 years before retirement income is needed.
  • Have a high degree of concern about inflation.
  • Have high return expectations for their investments.
  • Are younger and/or more experienced investors — “risk-takers.”
Faculty 401(a) Plan
 Optional 403(b) and 457 Plan
Faculty 401(a) Plan
Optional 403(b) and 457 Plan

Because there isn’t one “right” investment that suits everyone, your U of M Retirement Plan provides a range of investment options — plus the flexibility to make changes over time. Review your investment selections periodically and update them to reflect changes in your financial goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

 
 
Need more help with your investment mix?
 

Now that you’ve determined a sample portfolio that may be right for you, you may want to adjust your account accordingly. You can make changes to your future allocations and transfer existing funds by visiting the “Changing Your Account” link after you log onto your account. You can also call us at 1-800-421-3334 to make changes.

Key
 
  Guaranteed   Domestic Equity   International and Global

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1 These sample portfolios do not recognize your individual financial situation. They are only meant as helpful examples and not recommendations or advice. Your portfolio allocation decision should reflect your unique goals and needs. If a portfolio is subsequently changed, your allocation will not automatically be changed.

2 Transfer and withdrawal limitations apply to this option. Please see our General Accounts brochure or our web site for a complete description.

3 "Standard & Poor's®," "S&P®," "S&P500®," "Standard & Poor's 500®," "500," “S&P 500/BARRA Growth Index” and “S&P 500/BARRA Value Index” are registered trademarks of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and have been licensed for use by Minnesota Life Insurance Company. The Minnesota Life variable separate account (the "Product") is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor's and Standard & Poor's makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Products. The underlying fund seeks investment results generally corresponding to the Index from which it takes its name. You may not invest directly in an Index.

4 Investment risks associated with international investing, in addition to other risks, include currency fluctuations, political and economic instability and differences in accounting standards.