INVESTING THUMB RULES (PART 3 OF 5)

INVESTING THUMB RULES (PART 3 OF 5)

·         SAVINGS-INCOME RATIO RULE
o        If you are in your 30s, aim for a 1:1 ratio between your liquid assets (savings and investments, excluding your home) and annual income.
o        The ratio should increase with age to ensure you are saving enough to reach your retirement goal.
o        For a couple aged 40, it should be around 1.5 or higher.
o        At 45 years, it should be around 3, and at 50 years, it should be 4.5.

·         EMERGENCY FUND RULE
o        Put away at least 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses as an emergency fund to cover eventualities such as job loss or medical issues.
o        A contingency fund should be a separate liquid savings account, even if it earns low interest, to ensure it is available at short notice.

·         100 MINUS YOUR AGE RULE
o        This rule is used for asset allocation.
o        Subtract your age from 100 to find how much should be your equity portfolio.
o        If your age is 30 years, your equity portfolio should be 70%.
o        If your age is 50 years, your equity portfolio should be 50%.
o        If your age is 60 years, your equity portfolio should be 40%.
o        If your age is 70 years, your equity portfolio should be 30%.