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Tyler Pinwheel Portfolio
0.35%June 04 | MyPlanIQ portfolio symbol P_79099

  • Portfolio Overview
  • Asset Allocation and ETFs
  • Performance
  • Calculators
  • Rolling Returns
  • Drawdowns

Portfolio Overview


The Pinwheel Portfolio is a lazy portfolio designed by Tyler from PortfolioCharts.com. Tyler is known for his research on asset allocation strategies that balance performance, risk, and simplicity. The portfolio is built on the philosophy of equal-weighting the four core asset classes---U.S. stocks, international stocks, bonds, and real estate---while incorporating performance tilts to enhance returns and reduce volatility. This approach aims to provide a diversified, low-maintenance investment solution for long-term investors.

Asset Allocation and Diversification

The Pinwheel Portfolio allocates its holdings across eight ETFs, each representing a distinct segment of the market:

  • U.S. Stocks (35%): VTI (15%, total U.S. market), SLYV (10%, small-cap value tilt)
  • International Stocks (25%): IEFA (15%, developed markets), IEMG (10%, emerging markets)
  • Bonds (25%): VGIT (15%, intermediate-term Treasury), VGSH (10%, short-term Treasury)
  • Real Estate (15%): USRT (15%, U.S. real estate)
  • Commodities (10%): IAU (10%, gold)

This allocation provides broad diversification across geographies, sectors, and asset classes, reducing concentration risk. The inclusion of small-cap value (SLYV) and gold (IAU) adds a performance tilt, historically known to outperform in certain market conditions.

Risk Level and Pros & Cons

Risk Level: Moderate. The portfolio balances growth (stocks, real estate) with stability (bonds, gold), making it suitable for investors with a medium risk tolerance.

Pros:

  • Diversified across core asset classes, reducing volatility.
  • Performance tilts (small-cap value, gold) may enhance long-term returns.
  • Low-maintenance, suitable for lazy investors.

Cons:

  • Gold (IAU) may underperform during bull markets.
  • Small-cap value (SLYV) can be volatile in the short term.
  • Requires periodic rebalancing to maintain target allocations.

Application for Retirement Accounts (401(k) and IRA)

The Pinwheel Portfolio can be adapted for retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. Here's how:

  1. Identify Equivalent Funds: In a 401(k), search for funds matching the portfolio's asset classes. For example:
    • VTI → S&P 500 index fund or total U.S. stock market fund.
    • IEFA → Developed international stock fund.
    • VGIT/VGSH → Intermediate/short-term bond fund.
    • USRT → Real estate investment trust (REIT) fund.
  2. Handle Missing Asset Classes: If a 401(k) lacks specific options (e.g., IAU for gold), allocate that portion to the nearest higher asset class (e.g., stocks). Many 401(k)s do not offer commodity funds, so reallocating to equities is a practical workaround.
  3. Rebalance Annually: Adjust allocations to maintain the target weights, ensuring the portfolio stays aligned with its risk-return objectives.

For IRAs, investors have more flexibility to directly purchase the ETFs listed in the Pinwheel Portfolio, making implementation straightforward.

In summary, the Pinwheel Portfolio offers a balanced, diversified approach for retirement investors seeking a hands-off strategy with moderate risk. By adapting it to available 401(k) options or using it directly in IRAs, investors can build a resilient long-term portfolio.

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Asset Allocation


Symbol Category/Sector Target Weight
IAU
iShares Gold Trust 		Commodities 10%
IEFA
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF 		International Equity 15%
IEMG
iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF 		International Equity 10%
SLYV
SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF 		US Equity 10%
USRT
iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF 		EQUITY 15%
VGIT
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF 		Fixed Income 15%
VGSH
Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF 		Fixed Income 10%
VTI
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF 		US Equity 15%


Historical Performance


Tyler Pinwheel Portfolio Historical Returns

Name YTD Return 1Yr AR 3Yr AR 5Yr AR 10Yr AR 15Yr AR 20Yr AR Inception
Tyler Pinwheel Portfolio 6.31% 13.20% 8.13% 10.30% 7.44% NA NA 7.63%
VFINX (VANGUARD 500 INDEX FUND INVESTOR SHARES) 2.03% 14.20% 14.72% 15.60% 12.92% 14.19% 10.37% 14.71%
VSMGX (VANGUARD LIFESTRATEGY MODERATE GROWTH FUND INVESTOR SHARES) 5.23% 10.75% 8.37% 7.42% 6.31% 7.36% 6.07% 7.18%
Data as of 06/04/2025, AR inception is 10/22/2012

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Tyler Pinwheel Portfolio Historical Return Chart


Calculators


Dollar Cost Average Calculator for Tyler Pinwheel Portfolio

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Retirement Spending Calculator for Tyler Pinwheel Portfolio

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Rolling Returns


From 10/22/2012 to 06/04/2025, the worst annualized return of 3-year rolling returns for Tyler Pinwheel Portfolio is 1.13%.
From 10/22/2012 to 06/04/2025, the worst annualized return of 5-year rolling returns for Tyler Pinwheel Portfolio is 2.17%.
From 10/22/2012 to 06/04/2025, the worst annualized return of 10-year rolling returns for Tyler Pinwheel Portfolio is 5.22%.

Maximum Drawdown

Tyler Pinwheel Portfolio Maximum Drawdown