What’s a Bond Ladder? (The Banana Explanation)

Ever have all your bananas ripen at the same time? You end up eating eight bananas in two days or making emergency banana bread. It turns out, the same thing happens when all your bonds mature at once—you suddenly have a pile of cash hitting your account with nowhere to go, and you're scrambling to figure out what to do with it.

That's where bond ladders come in.

In this video, Caroline and I explain what a bond ladder is, why spreading out your bond maturity dates creates a more reliable income stream, and how it's basically the same principle as buying bananas at different ripeness levels.

The World's Best Banana Bread Recipe

So what do you do when life gives you eight overripe bananas? You make banana bread. And not just any banana bread—this is legitimately the best recipe we've tried. It comes from Delish and has been tested extensively to deliver that perfect moist texture with intense banana flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed)

• 1/2 cup butter, melted

• 1 1/2 cups mashed very ripe bananas (about 3-4 bananas)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2-3 tbsp granulated sugar (for topping)

Instructions

Prep:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F

2. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan (or 8.5x4.5 if you have it) with cooking spray

3. Optional: Line with parchment paper for easy removal

Mix:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth

3. Mash your bananas well and measure out 1 1/2 cups

4. Add mashed bananas and vanilla to the egg mixture, whisk until combined

5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a spatula until just combined—don't overmix!

Bake:

1. Pour batter into prepared pan

2. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the top (this creates a delicious crunchy crust)

3. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs

4. Let cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before slicing

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or freeze wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.

Recipe adapted from Delish's Best Banana Bread

Want to Talk About Your Portfolio?

Whether you're building a bond ladder or just trying to make sense of your investment strategy, we're here to help. Contact us to schedule a conversation.

And if you try the banana bread? Let us know how it turns out.