Bar, Thanks for the info on Bulletshares. They do look like an interesting alternative to individual bond ladders. Invesco points out that during the maturity year for the particular Bulletshare ETF, it may tend to have a reduced yield as the various bonds mature and the proceeds go into the $ market for varying periods of time. But these days the money market rate is at/near the bond's rate, so it currently wouldn't be an issue.
The diversification and simplicity of the Bulletshare would more than make up for any downside aspects, and it sure sounds simpler than the laddering approach using individual bonds. With a Treasury ladder there are no commissions, but with corporates, many discount brokerages still charge a commission (Vanguard charges $10 for a $10 K corporate or muni bond purchase). So Bulletshares avoid that problem. Seems like a great way to go, and having a maturity date removes the big disadvantage / unknown with regular bond funds and ETFs - ie what if rates go up and stay up for years (1970s), then you are locked in and unable to sell the fund without taking a loss.
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