Definition
The schedule by which a target-date fund shifts its mix from mostly stocks toward bonds and cash as the target retirement year approaches. A to-retirement glide path reaches its most conservative mix at the target year; a through-retirement glide path keeps shifting for years afterward, on the theory that the money must last decades past the date.
Why it matters
The glide path is the actual risk decision hidden inside a one-fund portfolio. Two funds with the same year on the label can hold very different stock percentages at retirement, which changes how a crash at 64 lands.
Example
A fund for someone retiring in 30 years might hold 90% stocks and 10% bonds today, drift to about 65% stocks with ten years left, and land near 50% at the target year. On a $400,000 balance, that final step means roughly $200,000 in bonds rather than $40,000, which is why a 30% stock decline costs about $60,000 instead of $108,000.
Put it into practice
Related terms
This definition is educational, not financial, legal, or tax advice. U.S. rules and limits change; verify time-sensitive details with official sources. See our disclaimer.