You might think more about what you want from your portfolio and how the various components advance that goal.Total bond market investing is what I know from 20 yrs of accumulating. Now that accumulation is winding down, I’m starting to think of alternatives? My house is paid for but everything else is subject to inflation.
Conventional wisdom is to transition to TIPS over a number of years before retirement. For example, scroll down to the table at https://www.dimensional.com/us-en/retirement-calculator
If you believe TIPS rates are generous and adequate for your needs, there's less reason to wait. Rates are notoriously unpredictable. Consider the consequences of various scenarios - If they work for you today they might not work for you tomorrow
Do you anticipate that a substantial part of your expenses will not be subject to inflation? If not, why nominals?
What do you think about 50% total bond and 50% intermediate tips fund? Or do you think a ladder can work here if I retire in say 5 yrs? I’m not sure when I will be 100% retired but I am not saving much anymore.
If you want a set inflation adjusted cash flow for a number of years, a TIPS ladder will provide that. As noted, if you plan to start withdrawing in 5 years, a ladder that starts in 5 years makes sense.
A oft-mentioned strategy is to use a TIPS ladder to cover necessary expenses not covered by Social Security, etc. and to hold equities (or equities and TBM or whatever you prefer) with the balance of your portfolio. That covers your necessary expenses and provides the possibility of upside and flexibility. If that seems appealing, then there is less need for TBM.
I'm mentioning this because it's a retirement strategy I find appealing, but you have to find something you're comfortable with that accomplishes your goals.
Statistics: Posted by Apple314 — Sun Feb 08, 2026 2:30 pm — Replies 33 — Views 1582