Get a financial life in 7 weeks

	When do you need the money? 3 - 5 years 5 - 10 years 10+ years
	How much risk can you handle? Not much at all A reasonable amount As much as possible

	How flexible are you? If I miss my goal by a year or two, I'll still be okay. I can't afford to miss my target.
	During market sell-offs, do you See an opportunity to buy more stocks Sell stocks thinking things will only get worse Do nothing

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You don't have time to own a dozen funds. And you don't need to. You can get a diversified portfolio with just one target-date fund. This hands-off investment changes allocation and strategy as you progress toward retirement. Last year, more than three-quarters of 401(k) plans had target funds, reports benefits consultant Hewitt Associates.

If a target fund isn't an option, trim your portfolio to three index funds: one total domestic stock market, one total foreign and one bond. For recommendations, see the Money 70; for your ideal mix, use the asset-allocation calculator to the right.

If your plan offers automatic rebalancing - 42% do, according to Hewitt - sign up for it; the account will periodically shift investments to get back to your desired allocation.

NEXT: Week six: Automate the rest of your investments