Funds That Rev Up Your Portfolio

2003.

BUILDING UP
Robin Curry also has a long-term approach to investing, but short-term events will have an impact on her goals. “I have a new marriage and a new home,” says Curry, 35, an executive with a family-run construction company in Yorba Linda, California. “We’re investing as much as we can now in an annuity and a regular investment account, besides my company’s retirement plan. If we can earn 8% per year, the money will double every nine years and I’ll have more than three doubles by the time I plan to retire.”

Curry’s portfolio includes growth funds such as MFS Emerging Growth (MFEGX), Transamerica Premier Equity Investor (TEQUX), Oppenheimer Growth (OPIGX), and Janus (JANSX). She also holds value funds such as Alliance Growth & Income (CABDX) and Fidelity Advisor Equity Income (FEIAX), as well as Templeton Foreign (TEMFX).

STARTING OVER
“In my late 40s, I ran into an unfortunate situation,” recalls Dr. Allen Knox. “I went through a divorce, my practice declined–I had to regroup.”

Knox, now 53, found a position as chief dentist for the correctional facilities in Cook County, Illinois, which includes Chicago. “I got my financial affairs in order and I began to invest inside my employer’s 457 retirement plan and on the outside as well,” he says. “I may have to work for another 15 years, or even longer, but I want to be able to retire some day.”

Outside his employer’s plan, Knox invests in George Putnam Fund of Boston (PGEOX), a balanced fund that holds both stocks and bo
nds. Inside his 457 plan, Knox holds pure equity funds such as Putnam Voyager (PVOYX) and Fidelity Magellan (FMAGX).

This year, Knox is thinking about investing in a specialty healthcare fund, a field that is destined for profit growth as baby boomers age and technology advances. Funds under consideration are Putnam Health Sciences (PHSTX) and AIM Global Health Care (GGHCX) (formerly known as GT Global Health Care).

Knox plans to stabilize his finances as the economy recovers. Like thousands of other investors, diversification will serve as the key to future growth.