A related decision that must be made is how a particular asset will be held. Stocks, for example, can be held individually or by investing in a mutual fund. Individually held stocks can be managed by the investor or by a professional portfolio manager. Real estate can be in the form of a limited partnership or individual properties. Many of these decisions depend on the degree of management and control the investor wishes to have.
Similar options are available for bonds, commodities, and precious metals.
Sometimes the choice of investment vehicle will depend on the amount of funds available. In developing an investment portfolio, these assets must be an integral part of the overall design. Current assets and retirement assets need to be considered together. Sometimes, for example, assets that are considered suitable for the overall portfolio are better if held in a tax-sheltered retirement vehicle. In considering real estate limited partnerships, many investors object to their long-term, illiquid nature.