Definition

Investment funds that automatically adjust your asset mix as you approach a specific retirement date, balancing risk and reward over time.

What to consider

  • They adjust automatically as you near retirement, which can simplify planning.
  • Review the fund’s glide path to ensure it fits your timeline.
  • Consider how they complement your other retirement investments.

Real world scenarios

  • Paola invests in a 2050 target-date fund, relying on automatic shifts from aggressive stocks to more stable bonds as she nears retirement.
  • Thomas likes the hands-off nature of target-date funds, checking them only annually to confirm the timeline still suits him.
  • After changing her retirement plans, Julia switches from a 2040 to a 2035 target-date fund, seeking a slightly faster move to conservative assets.

Related terms

Investments & Retirement