Industry professionals and academicians agree that there are three investing life stages:

              1) Accumulation (21-40)

              2) Consolidation (41-60)

              3) Retirement (61+)

   They are not always called this and age ranges vary. However, there is agreement on the number: Three.​

   So, what does the industry do? It creates 5, 7, 9, even 16! age-based, such as, target date funds.​

   This contradicts the accepted 3 stages, is confusing, and gives the impression that the sheer numbers of funds will assure a custom fit.​

   1-2-3 corrects this.