Bonds aren’t built to win the race—they’re built to keep the ride smooth. In this episode, Ryan and Zane break down what bonds are (and aren’t), how they pay you, and where they fit alongside stocks at any age. You’ll learn the basics—coupon, maturity, and yield—plus the major types (Treasuries, TIPS, munis, corporates, and bond funds), the real risks to watch (interest rate, credit, inflation, call, and liquidity), and why bonds act like portfolio “shock absorbers” when markets get bumpy. We also cover practical allocation ideas, rebalancing, and how to use bonds to support a steady retirement paycheck without sacrificing long-term growth.   Subscribe to the Retirement GPS Podcast and follow Zynergy Retirement on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @ZynergyRetirement for more strategies to keep your plan on course.