In This Episode:

Target-date funds just passed $4 trillion in assets. They’re now the default investment in many 401(k)s, and millions of Americans are using them without really understanding how they work. So, are they a smart choice… or just the easiest one?

These funds promise convenience and automatic adjustments, but with so much riding on a one-size-fits-all solution, it’s worth asking—are they really helping you, or just keeping you on autopilot?

In this episode, Ryan explains how target-date funds work, why they’ve become so popular, and the hidden pitfalls that many investors miss. From glide paths that get too conservative too quickly, to vastly different risk levels between fund families, Ryan breaks down why default doesn’t always mean dependable. You’ll also hear what age group might still benefit from using them, and why retirees should seriously reconsider. If you’re counting on a target-date fund to carry you into retirement, it might be time to change how you think about investing for your future.

Here’s what we discuss in this episode:

💰 What $4 trillion in target-date funds means for investors

🗺️ Why “set it and forget it” may lead you off course

🎢 How risk and returns can vary wildly between fund providers

⏳ The danger of getting too conservative too soon

🔍 Smarter strategies as you near retirement

0:00 – Intro

0:27 – Are target-date funds common?

2:29 – How do target-date funds work?

4:17 – Why are they so popular?

10:01 – When do target-date funds make sense?

11:17 – The downside of going conservative too fast