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THE TIPS PRIMER · 2026 EDITION
Understand the bonds.
Build a plan you can explain.
A practical reference for the decisions that come after the calculator: what to buy, how to buy it, and what to expect along the way.
- 62-page PDF with buying walkthroughs and worked examples
- Excel workbook with visible formulas and five planning tabs
- One-time purchase with instant downloads after payment
Secure checkout through Stripe. Have a code? Enter it at checkout.
One reference for the questions that matter.
Plan the ladder
Cash flows, maturity gaps, and the role of individual bonds versus funds.
Make the purchase
Auctions and buying walkthroughs for Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, and TreasuryDirect.
Understand the trade-offs
Tax examples, inflation adjustments, deflation floors, and inherited accounts.
What’s inside the workbook?
| Worksheet | What you can work through |
|---|---|
| Ladder Builder | Annual income needs, yield assumptions, and estimated rung sizes. |
| Gap Years | Plans for the missing 2037–2039 maturity years. |
| Phantom Income | Illustrative tax budgeting for inflation adjustments. |
| Boldin translation | Notes for representing ladder income in a retirement plan. |
| Sources & Method | Definitions, assumptions, and source references. |
The 2026 workbook uses a par-purchase planning approximation. It is not a live market-pricing tool. Review its assumptions before using the output.
Decide before you buy.
Read the sample and table of contents to see the level of detail. The calculator and reference articles remain free.
Common purchase questions
How do I receive the files?
After Stripe confirms your payment, the download page provides the PDF and Excel workbook. Save both files somewhere permanent.
Is this a subscription?
No. This is a one-time $29 purchase of the 2026 PDF guide and Excel workbook.
Does the guide provide investment advice?
No. It explains TIPS mechanics and planning considerations. It does not recommend a personal allocation, choose securities for you, or manage a portfolio.
What if my download does not work?
The confirmation page lets you recheck payment status. If you still need help, use the contact form and include the email address from your receipt.
Keep the reference beside your plan.
The TIPS Primer and companion Excel workbook, together for $29.
Get both files · $29