As a long-term individual investor, I have control of my own financial future. There's no one peering over my shoulder to scrutinise my portfolio's return on a yearly basis and I don't pay management or performance fees.
If you're reading this, chances are, you want to have the advantages. And now you can because…
Earlier this week I highlighted a way in which ordinary retail investors, like you and I, could possibly retire with over $2.6 million within 25 years. I, and fellow Motley Fool writer Ryan Newman, also showed readers what growth stocks we'd buy with $10,000 in the current market.
However, as a majority of seasoned investors will tell you, it's vital new investors build a portfolio around a stable group of core stocks…
So with that in mind, here are three S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) (INDEX: ^AXJO) blue-chip companies I would buy today with $10,000.
1. Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL) is Australia's exclusive bottler of Coca-Cola products and a range of other household names. Recently its earnings came under pressure because of adverse macroeconomic conditions in Indonesia (its key growth market) and a price war with Schweppes locally. In the long run I believe we'll look back on its current price and see what a bargain it really is.
2. Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) is the owner of a large portfolio of toll roads including Citylink, Hills M2 and, more recently, the Queensland Motorways assets (to name just a few). Transurban isn't exactly a bargain but I'd happily hold it forever to receive its generous dividend payment.
3. Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) is pushing into the 'Buy' zone. I've been very bearish on iron ore producers in recent months but now could be the time to buy. If its continuous write-offs are stymied in FY14, production continues to increase and debt falls, Rio shareholders should be ready for a rally.
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I believe all of these companies are worthy of a spot in savvy long-term investors' portfolios. My higher-risk pick of the bunch is Rio Tinto, but for those more risk-averse investors Coca-Cola Amatil stands out as a compelling long-term buy at its current price.