Jill on Money: Dow 13,000, Investments, Social Security Is Dow 13,000 calling you? Did you sell at the bottom and are now wondering how to get back in? Don't be afraid, on this week's show we cover investing and allocation questions; provide a primer on Social Security and outline the benefits of 529 plans. Will in Louisville, Mary in Los Angeles, Servando and Patricia all needed guidance about investments. In these conversations, I was able to talk about some of my favorite topics, including what constitutes a well-diversified portfolio; dollar cost averaging; no load mutual funds vs. exchange-traded funds; and target date funds. As promised, here's a simple balanced portfolio: 50% Bond Fund (Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBMFX), Schwab Total Bond Market (SWLBX), Fidelity U.S. Bond Index (FBIDX) 40% Total Stock Market Index Fund (Fidelity Spartan Total Market Index, Schwab 1000 Index Fund Investor or Vanguard Total Stock Market Index) You'll hear me mention Target Date funds as an alternative to allocating your portfolio yourself. In a Target Date fund, the manager gradually reduces risk as you approach a predetermined time. Both Vanguard Target Retirement and T. Rowe Price Retirement are good options. We answered pension, Social Security and long-term care questions from e-mailers and with Mo in Texas - see the links below to understand some of the strategies you can use when approaching your big SS decisions. Social Security estimator Social Security File and Suspend Social Security: Double-Dipping Long-term Care - US government web site 529 plan info-- Financial documents: What to shred, what to keep