Help choosing Empower 401k investments

[zhen]

I'm completely clueless when it comes to retirement accounts. I started a new job that uses Empower and matches part of my investments. Any suggestions on the percentages I should do? I'm 37, I have about 90k from another 401k from a past job I also I need to bring over and merge with this. I would consider myself a moderate in risk level I want to take. If this sort of post isn't allowed, let me know and I will delete.

Investment
Mix
Asset Class
1 Yr
5 Year
10 Yr / Incep
GrossExp %

Putnam Dynamic Asset Allocation Con R6
33 67
Asset Allocation
3.59%
5.92%
6.18%
0.63%

Putnam Dynamic Asset Allocation Bal R6
63 37
Asset Allocation
9.73%
9.11%
9.25%
0.60%

Putnam Dynamic Asset Alloc Growth R6
83 17
Asset Allocation
12.12%
10.79%
10.83%
0.68%

Goldman Sachs Intl Eq Insghts Inv
100
International Funds
8.93%
7.57%
7.61%
0.97%

Invesco Developing Markets Y
98 2
International Funds
-10.86%
8.17%
5.17%
0.95%

Franklin Small Cap Growth R6
99 1
Small Cap Funds
-13.90%
13.93%
13.31%
0.66%

Undiscovered Mgrs Behavioral Value L
96 4
Small Cap Funds
31.19%
10.21%
12.97%
0.95%

Vanguard Small Cap Index Adm
98 2
Small Cap Funds
6.09%
11.29%
12.46%
0.05%

Carillon Eagle Mid Cap Growth R6
100
Mid Cap Funds
0.15%
17.15%
15.36%
0.63%

MFS Mid Cap Value R6
97 3
Mid Cap Funds
27.80%
11.58%
13.00%
0.64%

Vanguard Mid Cap Index Fund - Admiral
99 1
Mid Cap Funds
15.32%
13.31%
13.45%
0.05%

American Century Ultra R6
100
Large Cap Funds
14.56%
24.19%
18.69%
0.62%

Putnam Large Cap Value R6
98 2
Large Cap Funds
25.28%
13.28%
13.58%
0.54%

Vanguard 500 Index Admiral
99 1
Large Cap Funds
23.25%
16.74%
15.39%
0.04%

Pioneer Bond A
3 97
Bond Funds
-1.19%
3.67%
3.59%
0.82%

Putnam High Yield R6
5 95
Bond Funds
2.48%
4.87%
5.43%
0.67%

Guaranteed Interest Fund
0 100
Fixed
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

 

[wyatt_michael]

@zhen Try the index fund(s)

 

[andysmith]

@zhen I agree. The only funds I'd buy on that list are the 3 Vanguard funds. The expense ratios on those others are too high IMO. The only downside is I don't see a reasonably priced Bond fund in there and if you are moderate, you want some bond exposure. The Pioneer A gets a fairly good review so it's the least of the worst options I guess https://www.morningstar.com/funds/xnas/piobx/quote

as to the %, that's kind of up to you, but I'd keep it simple, maybe 80% Vanguard 500, 10% Vanguard small Cap, 10% Pioneer Bond A. If you want more conservative bump up your Bond % and decrease the Vanguard 500. At 37 you have a long way to go till retirement unless you are on a FIRE track so I'd personally be a little more aggressive in allocations but that's just me.

Also, keep in mind you might be able keep your 401k at the prior employer.... If you liked their investment options and fees were low, that's something to consider, not moving it. my old employers plan was better so I left my money in the old plan. they had better investment options. I do pay a small annual administrative fee but it's totally worth it.