A: Thanks for the question.

The portfolios are a good place to start – but they are not the total picture, as there is no exposure to small cap stocks. Also, these are (obviously) Australian shares only – what other assets do you have, and is the mix right?

We have 2 model portfolios – one more income focused, the other growth oriented. Although you have 10 years to retirement, you will need to decide which is more in keeping with your investment objectives and your appetite for risk. On paper, if you can take a longer term view, then the growth portfolio may be more suited.

In terms of timing, you are never going to buy at the bottom – or always sell at the top. My advice would be to start soon – history shows that time in the market is more important than timing.

And finally, the questions you have asked are really the type of questions a financial adviser could help with. If you are interested in talking to one of the Switzer advisers, please let me know.