Age-based glide paths for RESP investing

How age-based RESP portfolios reduce risk as school nears, and what to confirm when a provider adjusts—or does not adjust—the asset mix.

Reviewed 2026-05-01 source Information only, not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.

Education only: this page compares a common RESP investment approach. It does not recommend products, providers, or portfolio allocations. No public source publishes average RESP returns by strategy. Compare this approach with provider documents and regulator guidance before acting.

Best fit

Subscribers who want a simple rule for reducing risk without picking every fund change manually.

Typical holdings

More growth assets when the child is young, then more bonds, cash, or GICs near withdrawal years.

Main strength

Matches investment risk to when the money is likely needed.

Watch for

Some accounts do not adjust automatically. Put review dates on the calendar.

Questions before choosing

Does the provider adjust automatically or on a schedule?
What is the current asset mix today?
When does the first meaningful risk reduction happen?