Choosing your investments

There are two options:

• The USS Default Lifestyle Option
  In this option we gradually move your investments over time through different blends of Growth, Moderate Growth, Cautious Growth and Liquidity, which are generally less susceptible to market volatility. This is called lifestyling and begins 10 years from the age you want to take your savings. We’ll automatically invest here if you don’t make a choice.

• The USS Ethical Lifestyle Option
  In this option we gradually move your investments in the same way as the above, but invests in funds that meet our ethical guidelines (there's more information in our ethical guidelines).

For more information on these options, see the Do It For Me section of A guide to investing in the Investment Builder.

Follow the five-step process on the manage investments page in the Investment Builder section of My USS. Watch our video on how to manage your investments at the bottom of this page.

Choose a TRA to suit your future plans, as we’ll make key investment decisions based on the TRA you set.

As you approach your TRA, we’ll gradually move your investments. We’ll go from investing in funds that are generally higher risk, but with greater potential returns, to funds which usually carry a lower risk, with possible lower returns. It’s our way of helping your savings pot become more stable as you approach your TRA.

If you set your TRA too low, it may not match your future plans and you could miss out on potential investment gains. But setting it too high may mean you’re not invested in the right funds when you’re ready to access your savings. If you don’t set a TRA, it’ll automatically be set as the Normal Pension Age (NPA) when you join Investment Builder.

The types of funds available are bonds, equity funds, multi-asset funds and sterling liquidity. They range from generally lower risk funds with possible lower returns, to funds which are generally higher risk, with higher potential returns.

You can pick funds that you think will help you achieve the future you’re after and align to your investment objectives and beliefs. You can also choose a level of risk you’re comfortable with. Just remember, it’s up to you to stay on top of your investments and how the funds are doing.

To find out more about the funds and the potential level of risk they carry, see the Let Me Do It section of A guide to investing in the Investment Builder or take a look at our Quarterly Investment Report.

Follow the five-step process on our manage investments page in the Investment Builder section of My USS. Watch our video on how to manage your investments at the bottom of this page.

Choose a TRA to suit your future plans, as we’ll get in touch with you about your Investment Builder options when you’re approaching this age. If you don’t set a TRA, it’ll automatically be set as the Normal Pension Age (NPA) when you join the Investment Builder.