I'd use Harry Browne's "Permanent Portfolio" allocation - it performs as well or better than other passive portfolios while experiencing far less volatility. He

I'd use Harry Browne's "Permanent Portfolio" allocation - it performs as well or better than other passive portfolios while experiencing far less volatility. Here's a detailed analysis of historical returns: http://crawlingroad.com/blog/2008/12/22/permanent-portfolio-historical-returns/ http://crawlingroad.com/blog/2008/12/22/permanent-portfolio-... It's also simple enough that you don't have to pay a tax/financial advisor exorbitant fees to manage your money - you can do it yourself, saving a lot of money in "wealth management services" you don't really need. Remember, you're a financial advisor's dream come true, and they'll try to sell you everything they can. Here's a review I wrote of "Fail Safe Investing," Browne's book: http://personalmba.com/review/fail-safe-investing/ http://personalmba.com/review/fail-safe-investing/ Here's more solid supporting information: http://crawlingroad.com/blog/2010/02/06/permanent-portfolio-back-to-basics/ http://crawlingroad.com/blog/2010/02/06/permanent-portfolio-... Hope this helps!