A sub optimal portfolio you can execute on is better than an optimal one you can't. Some of the things in your portfolio are going to be very safe and reliable, even if the other ones are or volatile. Start with s a 50 % stock, 50 % bond retirement portfolio, and see how you respond during a bare market. Were you able to buy more and up your stock aplication to, say, 75 % stocks, 25 % bonds? If so, then great. Wait until the next time, rinse and repeat. Did you just barely hang on? Then 50 50 is probably right. And i think he's also correct that the only thing that stops you there is psychology