Glide Path
A planned shift in asset allocation over time, typically becoming more conservative as retirement approaches.
A glide path is a predetermined way your asset allocation changes as you age. The classic version gradually reduces stock exposure and increases bonds as you near retirement, lowering volatility when sequence of returns risk is highest. Target-date funds automate exactly this.
Some retirees use the opposite early in retirement — a 'rising equity glide path' that starts conservative and adds stocks over time — to defend against a bad early sequence. Either way, the point is to match portfolio risk to where you are in your saving-and-spending lifecycle rather than holding a fixed mix forever.
This definition is general information to help you understand a term, not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures that change year to year (limits, thresholds, rates) should be confirmed against current official sources. For guidance on your situation, a licensed fee-only fiduciary is the right next step.