Should I move from passive trackers to active funds when I'm planning to start drawdown in the next one to two years?

15 April, 2026

Question by Boring Money reader

Answered by Holly Mackay

I don't see any reason to change your investment approach. If Investment funds that automatically follow a market index or set of rules without a manager actively picking investments. They aim to match the performance of their chosen benchmark rather than trying to beat it, typically offering lower fees than actively managed funds. have worked well for you so far, there's no concrete reason to switch to actively managed ones. Some people do look more towards income funds when planning to take money from their investments, so that might be worth investigating. But if the general aim is to remain invested in global capital markets throughout your retirement, I don't think you need to make a switch in investment style from passive to active.

Answered by

Holly Mackay

Founder & CEO, Boring Money

I’ve worked in investment markets for over 20 years. I started out at Merrill Lynch Investment Management and worked at a few big names before setting up my first business in 2008.

I like words and ideas more than numbers. I like investing because at the end of the day it’s about using our money to fund innovation and growth. That’s more fun than any graph!

I like explaining things and ‘bullshit-bashing’. Away from work I like travelling, reading, wine, dinghy sailing, swimming in the sea and running.

I am not very good at sitting still and a manicure is my idea of hell. I have 2 amazing kids and a dog of little brain. Like most people, I'm currently craving a good beach holiday and the smell of sun tan lotion!

NB: Holly is not a qualified financial planner or adviser, she does not take on any individual clients and is unable to accept any requests to provide personalised financial advice. Sorry!

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