Bond Glidepath by Age Calculator
Apply a classic age-based glidepath rule to get your target stock and bond split — "age in bonds", 100/110/120 minus age.
How it works
Age-in-bonds: bonds% = age · X-minus-age: stocks% = X − age, bonds% = 100 − stocks% · (both clamped to 0–100%)
An age-based glidepath is a rule of thumb for shifting from growth (stocks) toward stability (bonds) as you get older. The oldest version puts your age percent in bonds; the "100/110/120 minus age" variants hold more stocks for longer, reflecting longer lifespans and the need for growth in retirement. These are starting points, not prescriptions — your risk tolerance and time horizon still matter.
Worked example
A 40-year-old under the "110 − age" rule holds 110 − 40 = 70% stocks and 30% bonds. The older "age in bonds" rule would put 40% in bonds instead, a more conservative mix.
Frequently asked questions
Which glidepath rule is best?
There is no single best rule. "Age in bonds" is the most conservative; "110 minus age" and "120 minus age" keep more in stocks, which many advisors now favor because people live longer and need decades of growth. Pick the one that matches your comfort with volatility.
Should I really hold my age in bonds?
It is a simple heuristic, not a mandate. Younger investors with stable income and a long horizon often hold more stocks than the age rule suggests, while those near a withdrawal date may want more bonds for stability.
How often should I rebalance to the target?
Once or twice a year, or when your mix drifts more than about 5 percentage points from target, is a common approach. Rebalancing sells what has grown and buys what has lagged, keeping your risk level in check.
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Educational estimate, not financial advice.