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Robert A. Imparato, Jr CFP®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional
Craig A. Hyldahl CFP®
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional
R.I.C.H. Planning Group, LLC
105 Fieldcrest Avenue, Suite #507
Edison, NJ 08837
Robert: 732-326-5240
Craig: 732-326-5241
Fax: 732-326-5331
Robert: robert@richplanninggroup.com
Craig: craig@richplanninggroup.com
Website: www.richplanninggroup.com
September/October 2026
Building a Bond Fund Ladder
Bonds can diversify* your portfolio and provide steady income. To add stability, consider a bond fund ladder, an investment strategy that allocates funds across multiple bond funds with different maturities. This approach lets you benefit from changing interest rates over time, reducing interest rate risk and boosting income potential.
Creating a Ladder
First, with the help of your trusted professional, determine how much you're willing to invest in your bond ladder. It doesn't have to be a huge sum; even a few thousand dollars can make a difference. Next, consider dividing your investment among several bond funds, typically three to five. Selecting funds with different maturity dates will help maintain a steady cash flow as bonds mature.For example, you could choose one bond fund with a two-year maturity, another with five years, and a third with ten years. When one fund matures, you can reinvest the principal into a new fund with a longer maturity, keeping your ladder intact. This strategy not only helps you avoid locking all your money into a single bond fund at a single interest rate but also lets you take advantage of potentially rising rates in the future.
Next, consider the different types of bond funds you might include in your ladder. For example, government bonds are often considered safe but typically offer lower yields. In contrast, corporate bonds can provide higher returns but carry correspondingly greater risk. Alternatively, municipal bonds may be a good fit, especially if you're in a higher tax bracket, since their interest is often tax-exempt.
Not Set in Stone
Bond fund ladders can be adjusted to fit changing market conditions. For example, if rates are rising, shortening the ladder's duration can help capitalize on higher rates sooner. Conversely, in a declining rate environment, extending the ladder's duration can help lock in yields for longer periods. Start building your bond ladder today to see how it may enhance your investment journey.*Diversification cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. Past performance won't guarantee future results. An investment in stocks or mutual funds can result in a loss of principal.
GE-8987423.1(6/26)(Exp.6/30)
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Duly registered and licensed financial professionals offer securities through Equitable Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA,SIPC (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI & TN), offer investment advisory products and services through Equitable Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor, and offer annuity and insurance products through Equitable Network, LLC (Equitable Network Insurance Agency of Utah, LLC in UT; Equitable Network of Puerto Rico, Inc.). Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D/V. Equitable Advisors and its associates and affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice or services.
R.I.C.H. Planning Group, LLC is not owned or operated by Equitable Advisors or Equitable Network. GE-8877021.1(4/26(Exp.4/30)
CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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