Why this planner exists
LadderUp treats retirement as an income problem, not a portfolio-size target. See why traditional wealth targets can leave future spending exposed to markets.
Maximize Retirement IncomeProtect Against Downside Risk
Explore how TIPS ladders, stocks, and Social Security can work together to secure retirement income while preserving the potential for income growth. Compare this liability-driven approach with the 4% rule and a traditional 60/40 portfolio.
Explore the LadderUp approach
Start with three short introductions to the ideas behind the model.
When can I retire?
Retirement readiness depends on more than portfolio size. See how income capacity and secured income work together to determine when you’re ready.
Optimal Portfolio Allocation
LadderUp’s model solves for a personalized stock and TIPS bond-ladder portfolio based on your retirement goals and current market conditions.
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Research behind the model
A Modern Approach to Retirement Planning
A liability-driven framework that balances equity growth with a TIPS income ladder to progressively secure retirement income.
Read the research overview
The framework treats future retirement spending as a series of income needs. Growth assets build wealth, while a TIPS ladder and claimed Social Security support secured income.
Retirement readiness depends on both income capacity and the Security Ratio: the share of that capacity supported by secured income. After retirement, additional wealth can be converted into income as the plan progresses.
The working paper compares simulated outcomes with a traditional 60/40 portfolio using a dynamic withdrawal rule. It examines retirement timing, downside income protection, and income growth across representative households.
Read the working paper (PDF) · Explore further research
Developed by Jeff Graham, PhD. LadderUp is a research prototype; simulation results are illustrative and depend on the model’s assumptions.