Time to harvest gains? 401k Fees in the news

http://cnsnews.com/news/article/cbo-taxes-will-shoot-more-30-percent-over-next-2-years

http://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/2012/01/30/how-to-take-advantage-of-new-401k-fee-disclosures

What is going on with Government Statistics?

I will tell you the economic recovery seems fragile at best.  I know of two Fortune 500 companies that have initiate a hiring freeze and one of my consulting clients is cutting back services by 25%.  The headlines may make you think differently.

Then, I read this...

GDP numbers don't tell you how weak things really are

and this...

Seasonal adjustments are making employment numbers look artificially good


Do I (or anyone else) know which way the markets are heading in the next 3 months or 3 years?  No.  However, if you read Howard Marks book, The Most Important Thing, he emphasizes that you need to know where you are right now.

If the markets aren't looking favorable, you really need to know where you are.  If your Wealth Management Plan hasn't been updated lately, it is probably time to look at it and see if dialing down risk can happen and understanding how that will impact your other life goals (retirement age, college plans for your kids, retirement spending, etc.).  Based on how the markets have bounced back since October, it may be appropriate to change your asset allocation.