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Worried About College Savings? Bond Ladder ETFs Could Help

BY | ETF Database
5:20 am ET 05/20/26 | 2 VIEWS
While some investors have looked at recent volatility and inflation with worries that it will affect their portfolios in the coming weeks, others have more long-term concerns, including college expenses.Key Takeaways: Ongoing macroeconomic pressures have reignited concerns about inflation and long-term volatility, which could make it difficult for goals-focused investors to stay the course. Some goals, such as college tuition, are difficult to put off, meaning that investors need to find a solution that properly meets the moment. The Northern Trust 2030 Inflation-Linked Distributing Ladder ETF (TIPA) may help goals-focused investors meet the moment through both inflation-protected income and annual principal, which is uncommon for bond ladder ETFs. A market on unstable ground can make it more difficult for goals-focused investors to make sure they’re on track to meet those key financial thresholds. These goals could include causes such as charitable giving, retirement, or college tuition. Covering college tuition counts among particularly stressful goals. As such, investors may want to consider allocating towards a strategy offering a streamlined and transparent means to help reach these critical financial goals. One way to do so is through using a bond ladder strategy, such as a distributing ladder ETF.Distributing Ladder ETFs: A Different Take on the Bond LadderThe Northern Trust 2030 Inflation-Linked Distributing Ladder ETF (TIPA ) offers a particularly compelling use case for those looking to help ensure their tuition needs are met. TIPA’s approach focuses on offering laddered exposure to U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS). To start, gaining exposure to TIPS is especially effective right now. The principal value of TIPS adjust based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). With the conflict in the Middle East renewing fears of inflation, the potential for inflation-protected income can help investors make sure they stay ahead of rising prices. In TIPA’s laddered portfolio, each rung represents a calendar year between through 2030. As one would expect, TIPS that hit maturity in their respective years fill each rung. Each rung receives allocations on a fairly even basis, with the hopes of creating a relatively even and consistent path to income. To further help its investors structure cash flow to meet critical financial goals, TIPA also offers annual principal. While most bond ladder funds reinvest their principal into later rungs, TIPA distributes that principal back on an annual basis. This principal, when combined with inflation-protected income, can easily be aligned to college tuition needs. This encompasses why TIPA’s approach to structured fixed income offers such a compelling solution for goals-focused investors. The fund’s focus on TIPS gives its income the benefit of adjusting for the CPI, so inflation doesn’t outpace investors. That’s even before the additional principal comes into play. Meanwhile, the fund’s transparent laddered portfolio offers structure and predictability, which can be especially helpful in eras of uncertainty. For those looking to manage college tuition, structure and inflation protection are hard perks to beat. For more news, information, and analysis, visit the Bond Ladders Content Hub.Disclosures: ETF investing involves risk, and principal loss is possible.  Shares of any ETF are bought and sold at market price (not NAV). They are not individually redeemed from the ETF. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns.  The net asset value of the Northern Trust ETFs will decline over time as income payments are made to shareholders.  Individual bonds carry an obligation to fully return principal to investors at maturity, however ETFs have no such obligation. Before investing, carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. This and other information is in the prospectus and a summary prospectus, copies of which may be obtained by visiting www.flexshares.com. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest. Northern Funds Distributors, LLC, distributor. Northern Funds Distributors, LLC and FlexShares are not affiliated with Northern Trust. All investments are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of principal amount invested. Investments do not typically grow at an even rate of return and may experience negative growth. As with any type of portfolio structuring, attempting to reduce risk and increase return could, at certain times, unintentionally reduce returns. Not FDIC insured | May lose value | No bank guarantee

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