Types of investment instruments that tend to be low risk and geared for people who must live on a fixed income such as Social Security or a retirement pension. A few examples would be bonds, CDs, bond funds, and annuities. Ideally, retired or disabled individuals can live off the interest of these assets so that the principle is never depleted before death. The need for a heavily weighted portfolio with such fixed income securities often depends upon life expectancy and projected medical expenses.