What is the 90% rule for mutual funds?

Asked by: Miss Burdette Hoeger  |  Last update: October 9, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (64 votes)

The rule is relatively simple, advocating for splitting your portfolio, placing 90% of your assets into a low-cost S&P 500 index fund and the remaining 10% into short-term government bonds. The rule was first mentioned by Warren Buffett, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and one of the best-known investors in the world.

What is Warren Buffett's 90/10 rule?

The 90/10 rule in investing is a comment made by Warren Buffett regarding asset allocation. The rule stipulates investing 90% of one's investment capital toward low-cost stock-based index funds and the remainder 10% to short-term government bonds.

What happens if I break my mutual funds before 1 year?

In addition to exit loads, you may also be subject to capital gains taxes on any profits earned from your mutual fund investments. For example, if you withdraw equity oriented funds before holding them for a specified period, typically one year, you may be taxed at a higher rate known as short-term capital gains tax.

What is the 90 day rule for mutual funds?

Mutual Fund 90-Day Rule

Receives a reinvestment right because of the purchase of the shares or the payment of the fees or load charges; Disposes of the shares within 90 days of purchase; and.

What percentage of my portfolio should be in mutual funds?

While personal finance experts generally recommend allocating 25-35 percent of your investments to mutual funds, the exact allocation cannot be done using a one-size-fits-all approach. Understanding how much and in what level one should regularly invest in mutual funds, requires a thoughtful and personalised approach.

Jack Bogle: My Essential Advice for Any Investor

22 related questions found

How much money do I need to invest to make $3,000 a month?

$3,000 X 12 months = $36,000 per year. $36,000 / 6% dividend yield = $600,000. On the other hand, if you're more risk-averse and prefer a portfolio yielding 2%, you'd need to invest $1.8 million to reach the $3,000 per month target: $3,000 X 12 months = $36,000 per year.

What is the best investment portfolio for a 60 year old?

At age 60–69, consider a moderate portfolio (60% stock, 35% bonds, 5% cash/cash investments); 70–79, moderately conservative (40% stock, 50% bonds, 10% cash/cash investments); 80 and above, conservative (20% stock, 50% bonds, 30% cash/cash investments).

What is the 3 5 10 rule for mutual funds?

Specifically, a fund is prohibited from: acquiring more than 3% of a registered investment company's shares (the “3% Limit”); investing more than 5% of its assets in a single registered investment company (the “5% Limit”); or. investing more than 10% of its assets in registered investment companies (the “10% Limit”).

When should you quit a mutual fund?

Underperformance For A Long Period

Chronic underperformance for a long period calls for mutual fund exit. If your fund has underperformed its benchmark index or peers for a considerable period, you can consider redeeming and investing in a better performing fund. A fund can underperform because of several reasons.

What is 15 15 30 rule in mutual funds?

15x15x30 rule in mutual funds is strategy to invest Rs 15,000 per month for 30 years in a fund that offers a 15% annual return. According to some experts, this strategy can help an investor accumulate Rs 10 crore over 30 years, compared to Rs 1 crore if they invested for 15 years.

Can mutual funds lose money in long-term?

Yes, mutual funds can give negative returns.

What is a good exit load for a mutual fund?

For example, a mutual fund may have the following exit load structure: 1% if redeemed within 1 year. 0.5% if redeemed between 1 to 2 years. No exit load if held for more than 2 years.

How much tax will I pay if I cash out my mutual funds?

The resulting profit will be a long-term capital gain. As such, the maximum federal income tax rate will be 20%, and you may also owe the 3.8% net investment income tax. However, most taxpayers will pay a tax rate of only 15% and some may even qualify for a 0% tax rate.

What is Warren Buffett 70 30 rule?

The 70/30 rule is a guideline for managing money that says you should invest 70% of your money and save 30%. This rule is also known as the Warren Buffett Rule of Budgeting, and it's a good way to keep your finances in order.

What retirement accounts don t lose money?

Fixed annuities are considered low-risk because they have a guaranteed minimum crediting rate for the term you select. That means that, as long as you keep your money in the account for the entire term, you know exactly what your return will be — you won't lose money.

What is the proper asset allocation by age?

The common rule of asset allocation by age is that you should hold a percentage of stocks that is equal to 100 minus your age. So if you're 40, you should hold 60% of your portfolio in stocks. Since life expectancy is growing, changing that rule to 110 minus your age or 120 minus your age may be more appropriate.

Can I withdraw all my money from a mutual fund?

Yes, you can withdraw money from most mutual funds anytime, unless they have a lock-in period. What is the right time to redeem mutual funds? The right time to redeem mutual funds depends on your financial goals and the performance of the fund.

How much money should you keep in mutual funds?

One widely accepted approach is the 50/30/20 rule, which breaks down your income like this: 50% for essential expenses (rent, groceries, EMIs, etc.) 30% for discretionary spending (entertainment, vacations, etc.) 20% for savings and investments like mutual funds.

What time of day is best to sell mutual funds?

Unlike stocks and ETFs, mutual funds trade only once per day, after the markets close at 4 p.m. ET. If you enter a trade to buy or sell shares of a mutual fund, your trade will be executed at the next available net asset value, which is calculated after the market closes and typically posted by 6 p.m. ET.

What is the 30 day wash rule for mutual funds?

A wash sale happens when you sell a security at a loss and buy a “substantially identical” security within 30 days before or after the sale. The wash-sale rule prevents taxpayers from deducting paper losses without significantly changing their market position.

What is 50 30 20 rule mutual fund?

50% of your total income goes towards your needs, 30% towards your wants, and 20% towards your savings and investments. The primary aim behind this Rule is to ensure you stick to a monthly budget for your expenses and never compromise on your savings for the future.

What is the 80% rule for mutual funds?

The 2023 names rule as amended, like the original 2001 names rule, requires a fund whose name suggests a focus in a particular type of investment, or in investments in a particular industry or geographic focus, to adopt a policy to invest at least 80% of the value of its assets in the type of investment, or in ...

Where can I get a 10% return on my money?

Here's my list of the 10 best investments for a 10% ROI.
  • How to Get 10% Return on Investment: 10 Proven Ways.
  • Invest in the Private Credit Market.
  • Paying Down High-Interest Loans.
  • Stock Market Investing via Index Funds.
  • Stock Picking.
  • Junk Bonds.
  • Fine Art + Collectibles.
  • Buy an Existing Business.

What is the $1000 a month rule for retirement?

The $1,000 per month rule is designed to help you estimate the amount of savings required to generate a steady monthly income during retirement. According to this rule, for every $240,000 you save, you can withdraw $1,000 per month if you stick to a 5% annual withdrawal rate.