Lifecycle Mutual Fund
- A mutual fund is a type of investment device that includes stocks, bonds, securities and commodities. This investment tool consists of a diversified portfolio that offers both a competitive rate of return on investment and a relatively low level of risk. The portfolio is designed by a team of investment analysts and funded by each individual investor. A lifecycle fund is essentially a type of mutual fund that is designed to meet retirement needs. As a result, F funds mature at a set time in the future.
- Lifecycle funds are composed of several other funds offered by the Thrift Savings Plan. These include government securities investment funds, known as G funds, which are composed of short-term U.S. Treasury securities. The F fund, or the fixed income index investment fund, is modeled after the Barclay's Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. The common stock index investment fund, or the C fund, is modeled after the performance of the S&P 500 Index. The S fund, or the small cap stock index investment fund, is modeled after the Dow Jones U.S. Completion Total Stock Market Index. Finally, the I fund, or the international stock index investment fund, is modeled after the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index.
- Lifecycle funds are broken up into different types based on when they mature. As of 2011, there are four lifecycle funds offered. The L 2020 is designed for those who are aiming for maturity between now and 2024. The L 2030 matures between 2025 and 2034; the L 2040 matures between 2035 and 2044; and the L 2050 matures between 2045 or later. Which L fund an individual should choose simply depends on when he wishes to retire.
- When a lifecycle fund matures, it is converted into an L income fund. The L income fund differs from other types of lifecycle funds in that it is diversified more conservatively, which yields a lower return but provides lower risk. The L income fund is invested with income preservation in mind rather than income gain. Lifecycle funds are converted to L income funds automatically, so no action by the investor is needed.