Plain-English definitions, reviewed by an independent investor

Target-Date Fund

A target-date fund auto-shifts from stocks to bonds as a chosen retirement year approaches.

A target-date fund auto-shifts from stocks to bonds as a chosen retirement year approaches.

(Glide path from aggressive to conservative over time)

Why it matters

It is the one-fund solution for hands-off retirement savers.

Common confusion

The path is fixed and may not fit your real risk tolerance or market timing.

Definitions reviewed by the Investing Glossary editorial team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does it de-risk?

It trims stocks and adds bonds automatically as the date nears.

One fund enough?

Often yes for a simple plan, but check fees and the glide path.

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