Visual
Stocks vs Bonds by Age
A simple rule of thumb sets your stock share to a base number minus your age. Slide through the ages to watch the mix shift toward safety over time.
| Asset | Share | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks | 75% | $75,000 |
| Bonds | 25% | $25,000 |
How much of your portfolio belongs in stocks versus bonds is one of the biggest decisions you make, and it shifts as you age. A common rule of thumb captures the idea in a single line. Your stock share is a base number minus your age, and the rest goes to bonds.
Reading the chart
The doughnut shows the suggested split for the age you set, on a 100,000 dollar portfolio, using a base of 110. At 35, that is 75 percent stocks and 25 percent bonds, or 75,000 dollars against 25,000. Slide the age up and watch the stock slice shrink.
At 50 the same rule suggests 60 percent stocks, and at 70 it suggests 40 percent. The idea is simple. Younger investors can hold more stocks because they have decades to ride out downturns, while those near retirement shift toward bonds to protect the money they are about to spend.
A starting point, not a rule
The base you pick sets how aggressive the glide path is. The old standard was 100 minus age, but with longer lifespans many now use 110 or 120, which keeps more in stocks for longer. None of these numbers is magic.
Your own split should weigh how long until you need the money, how steady your income is, and how well you sleep during a market drop. The Asset Allocation calculator lets you set your own base and portfolio, and the Compound Interest Guide shows why the stock-heavy early years matter so much.
Key takeaway. Hold more stocks when young and shift toward bonds as retirement nears. The rule-of-thumb split is a sensible starting point, not a personalized plan.
Assumptions
- The stock share is the rule base minus your age, capped between 0 and 100 percent, with bonds the rest. The default base is 110.
- This is a broad rule of thumb, not personalized advice. Your real mix should reflect your goals, timeline, and comfort with risk.
Sources
Last updated: 2026-08-08
This resource is educational and is not financial, tax, or investment advice. See our methodology and disclaimer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rule for asset allocation by age?
A common rule sets your stock percentage to a base number minus your age, with the rest in bonds. The classic base was 100, but 110 or 120 are now popular to reflect longer lifespans.
Should I use 100, 110, or 120 minus my age?
A higher base keeps more in stocks, which suits a longer horizon and higher risk tolerance. A lower base is more conservative. Many investors with decades to go use 110 or 120.
Why shift toward bonds as I get older?
Because you have less time to recover from a downturn. Adding bonds as you age smooths the ride and protects the money you are about to start spending in retirement.