Core Insights - The article discusses the importance of consistent cash flow for goal-based investing, highlighting how different financial goals require tailored investment strategies [1] Group 1: Financial Goals and Investment Strategies - Investors have diverse financial goals, such as saving for college, retirement, or charitable donations, all of which benefit from stable income generation [1] - Northern Trust Asset Management offers Distributing ladder ETFs designed to provide monthly income and return principal annually over preset time periods, up to 30 years [1] Group 2: Specific ETF Offerings - The Northern Trust 2030 Inflation-Linked Distributing Ladder ETF (TIPA) focuses on U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) to help cover college tuition expenses while providing inflation protection [1] - TIPA's portfolio is structured with five 'rungs' corresponding to the years 2026 to 2030, with TIPS maturing at different points within those years [1] - The Northern Trust 2045 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF (MUNC) is aimed at long-term retirement goals, investing in municipal bonds to provide tax-exempt income and covering a longer time horizon through 2045 [1] - MUNC's structure includes 20 calendar year rungs, allowing for a more extended period to meet retirement spending needs compared to TIPA [1]