Like with most generalities in personal finance, this rule of thumb doesn't take into account your exact situation. The best way to determine your portfolio makeup is to consider your risk tolerance and goals. Financial advisor Cathleen Tobin works with a high-earning engineer in her late 20s at a big technology company. Even though her client has years to go before retirement, Tobin isn't recommending an all-stock portfolio. That's because the young client based in Brooklyn, N.Y., is also saving for a near ...