Bonds - what do I need to know?

[Investerimposter]

What percentage of a balanced portfolio should be bonds? How do you decide what to buy? What are the considerations? Why does it feel more complicated than buying shares?

What percentage it "should" be will depend on your personal circumstances- your risk appetite, what your savings are for, how long you are willing to leave money tied up.

Bonds are generally lower risk than equities but will also mean lower return.

My S&S ISA was in an 80% equity / 20% bond fund but I’ve recently moved it to a 100% equity global tracker as I’m happy that we won’t need that money for 10+ years. I think my pension is also due to be ‘lifestyled’ into holding some bonds for the 10yrs prior to retirement but, again, I will probably change this when the time comes. I would rather hold some cash and then have the rest of the money in the stock market. As PP said, it depends on your risk appetite.

It's a business decision with retained earnings. Three partners - not equal equity but time frame is 4 years.
We can ring fence financial investments that are low risk for other partner if needed. Two of us are married and the same attitude to risk.
I just think I need to up my game as we look to close the business in 3-4 years. Hence my interest in bonds.

I think the timeframe is your answer here. You want to be able to plan ahead.