If you're retired, it's essential to brush-up on investing basics and follow time-tested investing principles. For starters, review your portfolio to make sure its adequately diversified.

As many retirees found out the hard way from 2000 to 2002, how your money is divided among the different types of savings and investments, and among the categories within these main types, is one of your most important investing decisions.

So make it a priority to calculate what percentage of cash, bonds, and stocks you have in your portfolio and set your target asset allocation plan.

Your target investment mix depends on your financial goals, estimated life expectancy, overall financial situation, and tax bracket. Importantly, it also depends on your financial ability to withstand losses and how much risk you need to take to meet your goals.

Once you diversify your investments, periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain your target mix and to lock in your gains.

For more information about managing your investments in retirement, please contact one of the MEMBERS Financial Services Representatives serving the members of Veridian Credit Union™. In the Waterloo area call Kelly Goreham at (319) 236-6792 or toll free (800) 235-3228 extension 6792; in the Ankeny area call Todd Reinhardt at (515) 289-5570 or toll free (800) 235-3228 extension 5570.

Representatives are registered, securities are sold, and investment advisory services are offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, toll-free (866) 512-6109. Nondeposit investment and insurance products are not federally insured, involve investment risk, may lose value and are not obligations of or guaranteed by the financial institution. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution, through the financial services program, to make securities available to members.

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