Best Mutual Funds For Retired People
We all want peaceful life post retirement and want to enjoy during the period with our children and grand children. All these are possible only when you make a right investment plan and choose the right investment medium. And there is nothing better than investing in mutual funds. But before investing in the funds, analyze how much money you will need at retirement, how much monthly income you need to meet your basic needs, number of years left for retirement and the risk profile. If you have a long term investment goal for retirement, then mutual fund is the best option.
Why Investing in mutual fund is a good option for retirement?
Mutual funds are more flexible investment products which do not have any restriction on payment. You can withdraw in between without any penalty. Depending on your risk appetite, you can choose various mutual fund schemes.
In mutual funds, you can make money in three ways.
Dividend payment :Corporation earns profit and reinvest the same in business and share a fraction of profit with share holders in the form of a dividend.
Capital gains distribution :There are two types of capital gains, short term and long term capital gains. These gains are distributed to the shareholders and the distribution is declared at the end of the year.
Where to invest for good returns for post-retirement life?
Fidelity Real Estate Investment Port
The Fidelity Real Estate Investment Port is for people who wish to achieve an income of above-average and long-term capital growth.
Usually, 80 percent of its assets are put into investments that are related to real estate. It is non-diversified and invests in both foreign and domestic issuers.
In the past year, the fund has a recorded return of -14.40 percent, 1.75 percent in the past three years, 4.94 percent in the past five, and 8.52 percent in the past ten.
Benefits Of Mutual Funds Over Etfs
Exchange-traded funds are similar to mutual funds, with one major difference: Investors can trade ETFs throughout the trading day, while they can only trade mutual funds after the markets close. ETF investors can day-trade or trade more quickly in response to market fluctuations. They might respond too readily to plunges in the stock market or even try to time the market. Both practices can result in frequent losses and lots of trading fees.
With mutual funds, investors can enjoy access to the stock market but are protected from the impulse to day-trade or sell during small shocks. Historically, the S& P has averaged a 12% growth rate. While past performance is no guarantee of future performance, its an indication that letting your investments grow on their own is a strong path to a comfortable retirement.
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The Federal Thrift Savings Plan
The Thrift Savings Plan is a lot like a 401 plan on steroids, and its available to government workers and members of the uniformed services.
Participants choose from five low-cost investment options, including a bond fund, an S& P 500 index fund, a small-cap fund and an international stock fund plus a fund that invests in specially issued Treasury securities.
On top of that, federal workers can choose from among several lifecycle funds with different target retirement dates that invest in those core funds, making investment decisions relatively easy.
Pros: Federal employees can get a 5 percent employer contribution to the TSP, which includes a 1 percent non-elective contribution, a dollar-for-dollar match for the next 3 percent and a 50 percent match for the next 2 percent contributed.
The formula is a bit complicated, but if you put in 5 percent, they put in 5 percent, says Littell. Another positive is that the investment fees are shockingly low four hundredths of a percentage point. That translates to 40 cents annually per $1,000 invested much lower than youll find elsewhere.
Cons: As with all defined contribution plans, theres always uncertainty about what your account balance might be when you retire.
What it means to you: You still need to decide how much to contribute, how to invest, and whether to make the Roth election. However, it makes a lot of sense to contribute at least 5 percent of your salary to get the maximum employer contribution.
T Rowe Price Spectrum Conservative Allocation

- Category: Allocation 30-50% Equity
- 10-year return: 7.10%
For those 50+ investors looking for conservative allocation retirement funds, T. Rowe Price Spectrum Conservative Allocation is one of the best actively managed funds to buy.
Not every investor wants to take average to above-average market risk with their retirement funds, especially with stocks now trading near all-time highs. For these investors saving for retirement, a conservative allocation might make sense.
The PRSIX asset allocation is roughly 40% stocks, 40% bonds and 20% cash. The largest stock sector allocation is to technology stocks like Amazon , GOOGL, and MSFT. The heaviest weight in the bond allocation goes to high-credit quality bonds, such as Treasuries.
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Where To Buy These Retirement Etfs
All these ETFs above should be available at any major broker. My choice is M1 Finance. M1 has zero trade commissions and zero account fees, and offers fractional shares, dynamic rebalancing, and a sleek, user-friendly interface and mobile app. You can also set up automatic transfers and withdrawals, which is a huge benefit for retirees. I wrote a comprehensive review of M1 Finance here. Investors outside the U.S. can use eToro.
What ETFs do you plan to use in retirement? Let me know in the comments.
Disclosure: I own AVUV and AVDV in my own portfolio.
Disclaimer: While I love diving into investing-related data and playing around with backtests, I am in no way a certified expert. I have no formal financial education. I am not a financial advisor, portfolio manager, or accountant. This is not financial advice, investing advice, or tax advice. The information on this website is for informational and recreational purposes only. Investment products discussed are for illustrative purposes only. It is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or otherwise transact in any of the products mentioned. Do your own due diligence. Past performance does not guarantee future returns. Read my lengthier disclaimer here.
The 10 Best Etfs For Retirement Portfolios In 2022
Last Updated: 7 min. read
Retirees have unique needs when it comes to their investment portfolios. Here Ive assembled what I think are the best ETFs for retirement portfolios in 2022.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are referral links. At no additional cost to you, if you choose to make a purchase or sign up for a service after clicking through those links, I may receive a small commission. This allows me to continue producing high-quality, ad-free content on this site and pays for the occasional cup of coffee. I have first-hand experience with every product or service I recommend, and I recommend them because I genuinely believe they are useful, not because of the commission I get if you decide to purchase through my links. Read more here.
Contents
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Best Mutual Funds For Retirement: Fidelity Capital & Income
Expenses: 0.67%Minimum Initial Investment: $2,500
One of the best high-yield mutual funds to buy on the market today is Fidelity Capital & Income , a fairly inexpensive mutual fund in the high-income space.
Investors should note that, although the 3.9% yield and 9.9% lifetime average annual return are outstanding, the yield and return come with some risk.
The bond portfolio consists mostly of investment-grade and below-investment-grade issues. FAGIX also allocates about 20% of the portfolio to growth stocks, such as Skyworks Solutions Inc , Qorvo Inc and Alphabet Inc .
Editors Note: Decades of documentation show that a small group of Fidelity funds when combined properly drastically reduce risk while outperforming the average Fidelity investor by a whopping 201%. Fidelity wont tell you what funds to buy and sell. Investment expert Jim Lowell will. Learn how Fidelitys most powerful funds can massively accelerate your retirement schedule right here.
What Is An Income Portfolio
An income portfolio is designed to offer long-term sustainability through a generally conservative strategy of bonds, mortgage-backed securities, stocks and other investments that pay interest or dividends. The goal is to generate an income stream that can compound and increase the value of your investment. It also seeks to provide protection that often appeals to pre-retirees.
How to build an income portfolio
If youre looking to build an income portfolio, consider the following strategies:
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Best Mutual Funds For Retirement: Fidelity Real Estate Investment
Expenses: 0.76%Minimum Initial Investment: $2,500
Funds that invest in the real estate sector, such as standout Fidelity Real Estate Investment , can be a smart way to diversify a portfolio with a high-yield mutual fund.
FRESX invests in real estate investment trusts, or REITs a type of business entity that owns or operates real estate. In exchange for certain tax considerations, they must pay at least 90% of taxable income to shareholders as dividends, so many REITs typically offer high yields in the mid-single digits. Fidelity Real Estate is the best choice for the majority of retired investors looking to add real estate to their portfolio.
The fund normally holds at least 80% of assets in stocks of companies such as Public Storage , Prologis Inc , and Simon Property Group that are engaged in the real estate industry. Because of the funds focus on higher-quality REITs, the yield is relatively low for the space at 2.69%.
Editors Note: Decades of documentation show that a small group of Fidelity funds when combined properly drastically reduce risk while outperforming the average Fidelity investor by a whopping 201%. Fidelity wont tell you what funds to buy and sell. Investment expert Jim Lowell will. Learn how Fidelitys most powerful funds can massively accelerate your retirement schedule right here.
The Best Mutual Funds For Retired People
Retirees should consider fees when searching for a mutual fund.
Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
Although Social Security provides income for many retirees, some individuals need and desire additional income sources. Investing strategies for retirees differ from individuals in younger age groups. Retirees seek to preserve their nest egg, and if possible, grow their income. If you are retired, certain conservative mutual funds can provide a return on your investment while limiting risks. Understanding the types of mutual funds that are best for retired people can help you develop an effective retirement strategy.
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What Retirees Should Invest In: Stocks
Though stocks are generally thought of as a risky investment better fit for younger investors, retirees can still find value in looking to the market as part of their investing strategy. That said, you generally want to be more conservative as you get older. One maxim says that your portfolios percentage of stocks should equal 100 minus your age. If youre 65, around 35% of your money should be in the stock market, though of course this will vary depending on personal circumstances and risk tolerance.
Its also important to pick the right stocks, though. It probably doesnt make sense to chase big returns from trendy tech stocks like younger investors do. Instead, retirees generally should look for stocks that have a slow and steady growth rate and hopefully offer dividends, which puts money in your pocket regularly.
Mutual funds focusing on dividend stocks could also be a good choice. Because mutual funds are managed by top investment professionals, your investing decisions will be made by those in the know. Mutual funds also allow you to invest in many different stocks, diffusing your risk and protecting you if one of the companies doesnt perform as well as expected.
Role That Hdv Fills In Your Retirement Planning

IShares Core Dividend ETF : “What I like about this fund is its low expense ratio of 0.08% and its focus on holding firms with above-average financial health,” Kelly said. “It is a bit concentrated. Its top-10 holdings make up 55% of its 79 firms. But as they are generally megacap Blue-Chip stocks, it’s not overly concerning.”
- 12-month yield: 3.61%
- Yield in dollars on a $1.9 million balance : $68,590
- Trailing 1-year total return: 15.82%
- 3-year avg. ann. return: 8.9%
- 3-year standard deviation: 18.71
Also Check: Best Fidelity Bond Funds For Retirement
What Investments Are Best For A Person Who Is Retired
For many people, retirement is a time to relax and enjoy life after years of working hard. But its also a time when you must be careful about your finances. Thats because once you retire, youre likely living on a fixed monthly income from pension payments and Social Security. You cant afford to lose money in the stock market or take chances with other investments. So whats the best way to invest for retirement?
Many experts recommend investing in income-producing assets such as money market accounts, treasury bills, or annuities. These types of investments provide a monthly income that can help supplement your other sources of income in retirement. And, because they tend to be more stable than stocks and other volatile investments, they can help you maintain your lifestyle even if the stock market takes a dip.
Of course, every investors situation is different, so be sure to talk to a financial advisor before making any decisions about retirement investing. But income-producing assets should be on your radar if youre looking for the best way to invest for retirement.
How Do Vanguard Target Retirement Funds Work
Target-date funds are mutual funds that automatically rebalance the portfolio as the years go by to meet specific goals. Vanguard’s target retirement funds allow investors to put their funds in a single investment without having to worry about their balance of stocks and bonds. As the target retirement date approaches, Vanguard automatically shifts the ratio away from equity and toward fixed-income investments.
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Retirement Savings Payoff: Advisors Recommend These Funds
So, how do you squeeze an additional $68,000 a year from your nest egg? That much income from $1.9 million would be a yield of 3.58%. Can good retirement planning lead you to mutual funds and ETFs that provide that much yield without taking on excessive risk?
Top financial advisors say yes. And they offer recommendations.
In fact, at the moment their recommendations generate $68,590 to $88,920. Each recommendation means your yearly retirement income would top $100,000.
The Best Vanguard Funds For Retirees
Gordon Scott has been an active investor and technical analyst of securities, futures, forex, and penny stocks for 20+ years. He is a member of the Investopedia Financial Review Board and the co-author of Investing to Win. Gordon is a Chartered Market Technician . He is also a member of CMT Association.
Are you getting your finances ready for retirement? Some of the best Vanguard funds are great choices for retirees.
Once you retire, your investment goals are likely to shift more toward income and stability. Growth is often a lesser priority. But retirees live longer than they used to. Even if you are in your 60s when you retire, you may live another 20 or 30 years.
You’ll need to invest for short- and intermediate-term income after you retire. But you’ll also need long-term growth for the next few decades.
These funds can help you manage your finances, not just before retirement, but also once you are retired.
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Are Mutual Funds Good For Retirees
Mutual funds are investments that are managed by portfolio managers. They pool money together from multiple investors. This capital is invested in different securities, giving investors exposure to different assets. As such, they can be a great investment for retirees. That’s because these investment vehicles are designed to help investors preserve their capital and minimize their risks.
Best Retirement Plans: Choose The Right Account For You
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Gone are the days when workers could count on an employee pension plan and Social Security to cover their costs during those golden years. Today, pensions are a rarity and Social Security isnt a slam-dunk for future generations.
That’s why Uncle Sam wants needs you to save for retirement and is offering tax breaks on retirement accounts. Here’s how to to find the best retirement plans to save for your future.
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Best Mutual Funds For Retirement: Loomis Sayles Bond Retail
Expenses: 0.91%Minimum Initial Investment: $2,500
A smart way to compliment, a core holding on the fixed-income side of the portfolio is with a multi-sector bond fund like Loomis Sayles Bond .
But LSBRX is not just any multi-sector bond fund it has the advantage of lead portfolio manager, Dan Fuss, who has been managing fixed income assets for five decades.
The portfolio nicely compliments a U.S. bond core holding by adding foreign bonds and high yield bonds to the mix. The result is a much more robust yield than VBMFX, at 3.2%. However, investors should keep in mind that, along with above-average yield and long-term returns, the high yield and international exposure adds greater market risk.
PS Decades of documentation shows that a small group of Fidelity funds when combined properly drastically reduce investor risk while outperforming the average Fidelity investor by a whopping 201%.
However, Fidelity wont give you the names of these powerful funds or tell you how to combine them properly. Fidelity is not going to tell you what funds to buy and sell. Investment expert Jim Lowell will.
Learn how Fidelitys most powerful funds can massively accelerate your retirement schedule right here.