Target Date Fund Basics

  • Level: Introductory
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Credits: 1.0 CEU
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Course Description

This course introduces plan fiduciaries to the fundamentals of Target Date Funds (TDFs) and their role in retirement plan oversight. Participants will learn how TDFs operate, including their structure, glidepath design, and how asset allocation automatically adjusts as participants approach retirement. The course explores why TDFs are commonly selected as Qualified Default Investment Alternatives (QDIAs) under ERISA, outlines key fiduciary responsibilities in selecting and monitoring them, and identifies common oversight pitfalls. Through practical examples and case law, learners will analyze best practices for fund evaluation, documentation, and benchmarking, ensuring compliance and protection under fiduciary standards.

Learning Objectives

By completing this course, you will be able to:
  • TDF Mechanics – Understand the structure, purpose, and glidepath behavior of Target Date Funds.
  • Why TDFs Are Used – Understand the role of TDFs as default investment options and why they are commonly selected by plan sponsors.
  • Evaluating & Avoiding Mistakes – Identify key fiduciary evaluation criteria and recognize common oversight errors.
  • Best Practice Application – Apply industry and regulatory best practices to the selection and monitoring of TDFs.
  • Litigation Lessons – Analyze court cases to learn how fiduciary process impacts legal protection.

Course Lessons

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