i was on the retail side for 7 years and am not holding myself out as any better or worse than any planner out there, but these are many of the questions you will hear from one while you pay him $100/hr.
what is the goal of the money and what is your time horizon?
is this is a short term trading account? if so its silly to try and trade in your position. is it longer term like college or retirement savings? if so it makes more sense to leave at least a portion in the market.
what does the rest of your finances look like: debt, risk management, savings, etc...
if this is all the money you have, def go cash. ideally everyone should have 3-6x their monthly salary or living expenses in a emergency account that is liquid and safe. in your case you should be leaning towrds 6x particulalry if you are married or have a family.
review and shore up risk management, have htere been any life chabges since you have done this last? i.e. insurances, life, helth, homeowners, a will, and trust if it makes sense. make sure these are all in good order and will continue to be while you are gone, make sure you have appropriate protection and tweak anything that needs it before leaving. if you are married or kids this all goes double for you.
when clients ask me this question many times the best answer is not either all in or all out but rather keeping a portion in or out that you will be comfortable with and this is the bottom line...you dont want to have anything hanging over your head so do what will make you most comfortable. if you do keep anything in, be diversified, maybe write some covered calls there should be some premium out there with the rally. and be careful with bonds if there is a hike or two while you are gone.
hope this helps, feel free to PM me. and dont fret aholes like that previous poster, he is a vocal minority... the majority of americans support you.
