Stop logging into your retirement accounts.
No, seriously. Stop.
Determining if your balance has changed since yesterday is silly. If it went up you feel artificially excited for a few moments. If it went down, you’re going to be unhappy. Yet neither case will have an impact on the 30+ year retirement you are planning for.
Most of us would be better off if our 401(k) / IRA had a 30 year lock up feature. Maybe even a 90% surrender charge if cashed in early.
If you have built yourself (either alone, or with the help of an advisor) a broadly diversified portfolio here is how often you should look at it:
- 0-35 years old: annual rebalance, semi annual review.
- 35-50 years old: semi annual rebalance, quarterly review
- 50-70 ½ years old: see #2
- 70+: see #2, but now you have to be cognizant of your RMDs
Stop overcomplicating things please.
