What is the best retirement account asset allocation for people in their early 50s?

My dad, who 50 years old, has only about $90,000 in his retirement account. His health is decent right now, and he plans to work until he's 60 or 65. Unfortunately, the company that he works for has always had an employee match that was only applicable to company stock. As a result, this encouraged employees to put all their eggs in one basket and the company stock has performed terribly for 15 or 20 years. I believe this is just now changing, and with my encouraging, he is going to shift his 401K from company stock into diversified mutual funds now offered by the company through Merrill Lynch.

I know people who are in their 50s can not be as aggressive as those in their 20s, but it seems that my parents may have some catching up to do. Everyone on my mom's side lives into their late 80s. So how much should go in equity and how much should go in debt and money markets? Any thoughts are appreciated.

I think someone in their 50's can go with a 70/20/10 stocks/bonds/cash allocation. I think your dad still has some time to build a respectable portfolio.

It's unfortunate he felt the need to invest in his company's stock. I once worked for a company that did the match in (mediocre) company stock. My contributions went into Fidelity's funds.

whatever be the age on investment side one should not be aggressive - weighed judgment is required.

right now put all money in bank CD - review the market during Aug. 2008 - put 50% on equity - 30% on debt - and go in for medi insurance plan and cd for the rest.

during recession market will be down - if you invest during recession in another 10 years time you will/your father will get excellent return.

avoid mutual funds - they cannot run faster as indiidual investor - because of large fund they have certain natural constraints and they cannot give sustained return - assurance for 10 to 15 years.

best judged equity investment especially during recession is best adviced.

I hope you are already owning house - if not thnik of owning house.