ITA Wealth Management

July 1 is the expected launch date for the “GL” portfolio, a new portfolio that will be designed around index equity ETF and bond ETF vehicles. The asset allocation percentages have yet to be determined, but they will likely differ a bit from the target percentages we are using with the AA-Mosaic and Mosaic2 portfolios. I’ve given some thought to using target percentages along the lines of Financial Engines or one of the more conservative portfolios outlined in Mark Hebner’s “Index Funds” book.

Examples of Financial Engines targets are currently posted over on the “pay-to-read” Premium Content side of the blog. I’ll be entering more ideas tomorrow as the “GL” portfolio concept develops.

For the investor just beginning a savings plan and wanting to learn how to set up a portfolio, this is an example to learn.  I will be using the Thomas/Lalla/Herr spreadsheet to track the portfolio as well as follow three indexes.  Those are: VTSMX, VFINX, and VGTSX.  The VTSMX is our primary benchmark.  In addition, the “Blend” calculation will be included so investors can tell how far they are deviating from the targets assigned to each asset class.

Lowell Herr

Photograph: Rhodes Island, Greece

Another wonderful Beethoven CD is the 5th and 6th symphonies on the Deutsche Grammophon label. The recording I have is Herbert von Karajan conducting the Berliner Philharmonic. The recording number is D-115443. Karajan always does a good job with the Beethoven symphonies and I have a great deal of confidence in the recording qualities put out by Deutsche Grammophon. This recording matches those high standards.

Lowell Herr

Photograph: Protective tug guiding ship into the island of Rhodes

No. 40

We have a new leader, TEVA, on the Top Ten stocks for 6/27/2008.  To my knowledge, this is the first time this stock reached to top of the list.

The “Creme & Sour” lists should be posted through the Premium Content later in the afternoon.

Lowell Herr

Photograph: Tug and ferry off the island of Rhodes, Greece