Ask Mike:
How do I get started following your portfolios?

Question:

HI Mike,

I am going to start my 'TurnerTrends Experience' with your ETF portfolio.

How should I buy in? Should I just take equal positions in each of the 6 presently in the portfolio or buy the last two that you recommended (ITA and PUI) and then add new ones as you do. Said another way, are there any of your six picks that while they were a good buy at the time you bought, are not a good buy at opening bell on Tuesday?

Sincerely,

John H from Clermont, Florida

Mike's Response:

Hi John,

The best way to get started following one of my portfolios is to only buy in when I buy in, if your objective is to match me trade-for-trade.

There is an exception to this recommendation, which I will cover later.

When you do buy in, ONLY buy the number of shares that will equal the SAME percentage as I have. In other words, if I have a stock that holds 9.45% of the portfolio, you should calculate the number of shares to buy, by multiplying 9.45% times your total investment amount for the entire portfolio.

This is where the 'Portfolio Tool' can really help you.

Go to the Portfolio Overview page where you see a big blue button at the top of the page that says, 'CLICK HERE to Download Portfolio Tool'. This is an Excel worksheet where you can plug in the amount of money you want to use to follow the portfolio and it will automatically calculate the number of shares you need to own to match me trade for trade.

Now... back to the question on which ETFs to buy to get started... As I mentioned, my recommendation is to only buy when I buy. But, if the current market price of the shares are within 1% of my basis, then you are probably safe to buy it.

It would be a good idea if you read my 'Getting Started' page, too. Here's the link: http://www.turnertrends.com/stock-portfolios/features/getting-started-investing-with-turnertrends.php

Thank you for subscribing, John.

Best regards,

Mike