If you are preparing for retirement and haven't heard of glide paths, you should take a pause here and read this article. Glide paths represent the asset allocation mix of a fund based on the number of years it has to the target date (usually represented as retirement). You see, when you are preparing for retirement, your asset allocation mix should change over time as your capacity to take on risk changes during pre-retirement, on retirement and post retirement. Here is an example of how a glide path looks like. (Source: kitces.com) There is usually a consensus between many well-known names and research firms in the glide path prior to and at retirement date. Equity allocation generally drops as one approaches the retirement date with the lowest point logged at the retirement date. The part where there are different opinions lies in the phase after the retirement date. Some believe t...