This type of investment vehicle offers a simplified approach to retirement planning by pooling assets into a diversified portfolio designed to adjust risk levels according to an investor’s projected retirement date. These portfolios typically shift from higher-risk, higher-growth investments in earlier years to more conservative, lower-risk options as retirement nears. For instance, a portfolio targeting retirement in 2050 might have a higher allocation to stocks than one targeting 2030.
The key advantage of this approach is its automated risk management. This allows investors to maintain a suitable asset allocation without requiring extensive financial knowledge or frequent portfolio adjustments. Historically, these funds have grown in popularity as a convenient and effective solution for long-term retirement savings, particularly for those who prefer a hands-off investment strategy. Such funds aim to provide a balanced approach to wealth accumulation while mitigating potential losses as retirement approaches.
