Investing is a lifelong activity. An investor's portfolio should be adjusted over the lifespan so as to reduce risk of loss. There are several asset allocation models used by financial planners. One simple allocation method that is popular with some advisors is “your age in bonds.” Investors need a portfolio that is designed to meet their needs in the accumulation phase of life. The 7Twelve portfolio is ideally suited for the accumulation phase because it is weighted more toward equity investments, which have a higher return potential. Investors also need a portfolio that would meet their retirement income needs, which is referred to as the “distribution” phase. The distribution phase of an investor's life begins when money starts being withdrawn from the retirement account. Every portfolio—whether it is a pre-retirement accumulation portfolio or a post-retirement distribution portfolio—should have a diversified core component. Regardless of lifecycle stage, every investment portfolio is designed to achieve some level of growth and some level of capital preservation.