@Hohum, why do you say: "No, loading up on bonds now would be Wrong and Bad"?

What I've been reading recently seems to point that bonds are safer for older folk, whereas stocks are better for younger'uns as they have time on their side. (Boglehead's book on investing, financial sites, etc)

My parents are still waiting to get their statement regarding the status of the TSP and that will hopefully arrive soon so I have a better idea of their current finances. And I suppose that she (only mother works for SD - father is self-employed) will get a gov. pension at some point but she doesn't know anything about that either :(

I have asked them to try to find a financial advisor for the TSP but that may not be too easy at this point given where they are currently living. So for now I'm trying to help them as best I can.

So as always, any further advice is always welcome :)

Thank again you and JAFO for the responses and if you celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you had a good day with your families/friends.