There is no single right portfolio for everyone. There are, however, a few proven principles you can start from.

The basic building blocks

  • Stocks (ETFs) — the growth engine, but with big swings.
  • Bonds — the shock absorber; smaller but steadier returns.
  • Cash and savings accounts — your reserve and "dry powder" for opportunities.
  • Gold, real estate, crypto — supplements, not the core (5–15% at most).

The age rule

The classic rule of thumb says: stock allocation = 100 minus your age. A 30-year-old would hold 70% stocks, a 60-year-old 40%. With today's longer lifespans and low bond yields, the more aggressive "120 minus age" version is often used instead.

Three model portfolios

  1. Aggressive (20+ year horizon): 90% global stock ETF, 10% cash.
  2. Balanced (10-year horizon): 60% stocks, 30% bonds, 10% gold.
  3. Conservative (up to 5 years): 30% stocks, 50% bonds, 20% savings account.

Rebalancing

Once a year, return your portfolio to its target weights — sell part of what has grown and buy what has fallen. That way you automatically sell high and buy low, without emotion and without forecasting.