05/28/2026
A target date fund is an investment option commonly used in workplace retirement plans like 401(k)s. It’s designed to adjust automatically over time based on a selected retirement year (the “target date”).
When retirement is far away, the fund generally focuses more on growth. As the target date approaches, it shifts toward a more conservative mix to help manage risk.
Target date funds can be a simple, hands off option for investors who want diversification and automatic adjustments, but they’re not one size fits all. Understanding how they work can help you decide if they align with your goals.