These investment vehicles are designed to simplify retirement planning by providing a diversified portfolio of assets, automatically adjusting the asset allocation over time based on a target retirement date. For instance, a portfolio targeting a 2050 retirement date would typically have a higher allocation to stocks in the earlier years and gradually shift towards bonds as the target date approaches. This “glide path” aims to balance growth potential with capital preservation as retirement nears.
Professionally managed portfolios with diversified asset allocations offer a convenient way to invest for retirement, especially for individuals who lack the time or expertise to manage their investments directly. The automated shift in asset allocation based on the target date helps manage risk as retirement approaches. This approach is often championed for its potential to improve investment outcomes compared to less structured or self-managed strategies, particularly over the long term. Their prevalence within retirement savings plans underscores their role in making retirement planning more accessible.