1. Ignoring your money
You call it buying and holding.
What you're really doing, of course, is "buying and forgetting" or "owning and ignoring."
Your inertia could be costing you. So, "look at everything with a fresh eye. And ask yourself, `What does this do for me?'" said certified financial planner Mari Adam.
Consider your stock and bond investments. Do they still fit with your investment plan? (Do you even
have an investment plan?) Maybe you have old stocks whose growth days are past and which may be trading at a loss from when you got them eons ago. In that case, you might harvest your tax losses. That will offset your capital gains now and in the future, thereby reducing your tax bill. And it will free up money to be invested more profitably.
Next, consider your cash holdings. If you have tens of thousands of dollars, or more, sitting in low-rate savings accounts or certificates of deposit, "you're just giving money away," Adam said.
For your longer-term money, it could earn much better returns in a broadly diversified, low-cost index fund.
For emergency funds and money you'll need soon for upcoming expenses like a down payment, at least make sure you're getting a rate of 4.50 percent to 5 percent on it. Typically, Internet accounts offer the best rates, such as those at ING Direct.
CNNMoney.com's Loan Center can help you find the best accounts for you.
