Money Makeover: Marjorie Diehl

Income: $90,000

Goals: Invest her money more wisely so she will have a financially secure retirement

Assets: $422,500

Debts: $92,000 in mortgage debt

Recommendations: Move money out of low-earning bank accounts and into a higher-earning mix of large-, medium- and small-company stocks and bonds, both domestic and international. Roll over about $61,000 in her 401(k) to an individual retirement account with a similar mix, and diversify her remaining 401(k) money similarly. An "extremely diversified" portfolio should help her reap greater returns while controlling the volatility inherent in such a mix.

About the planner: Mark Gleason is a fee-only planner and a chartered financial analyst with Wescap Management in Burbank.