The IQ Portfolio Blueprint
Each Blueprint is a specific, backtested construction methodology — not a fixed-weight blog model. They share one disciplined five-step process, and they combine into a retirement bucket allocator no competitor offers. Numbers below are backtested on actual ETF data and are historical, not predictions.
The methodology
A systematic process for constructing globally diversified, risk-appropriate ETF portfolios using evidence-based allocation principles, backtested with actual ETF price data across multiple market regimes.
A self-assessment of investment horizon, risk capacity, and income needs — an educational tool, never a personalized recommendation.
Choose from four model-portfolio archetypes, each backed by a specific construction methodology and a validated benchmark.
A US or Canadian ETF implementation, with currency and tax-structure considerations built in.
Review 15–25 years of historical performance, drawdowns, recovery periods, factor exposures, and risk metrics for your selected Blueprint.
A step-by-step execution guide per brokerage, plus the quarterly rebalancing framework that keeps the mix on target.
Want the engineering detail behind the construction models, covariance estimates, and validation? Read the full methodology →
The four Blueprints
Each Blueprint re-derives its mix from fresh market data, not a weighting set once and forgotten. Numbers are backtested on actual ETF data and are historical, not predictions.
Conservative Income
Built to earn meaningfully more than cash savings without putting your principal through stock-market-sized drops. For the investor who can’t stand to lose.
Steady Growth
Engineered for the smoothest path to long-term growth — it automatically dials down risk when markets get wild. For growing your money without the stress.
Balanced Growth
Pursues long-term growth while absorbing major market crashes far better than a standard 60/40. For real growth without reliving 2008.
Growth Maximizer
Captures the long-run upside of owning stocks — built so crashes hurt less and you stay invested through them. For upside without the full panic.
Backtested returns from actual historical ETF data, computed by the open-source Boutquin.Trading engine (Conservative Income 15 yrs; the other three 25 yrs, as of 2026-04-19). Backtested performance is hypothetical and is not indicative of future results.
The Decumulator — the bucket allocator no competitor has
Target-date funds answer one question: how should a saver glide toward a date? They can’t answer the retiree’s question — how much belongs in “safe” versus “growing” right now, when a single bad year during peak withdrawals can be catastrophic. The Decumulator combines all four Blueprints into a bucket-sized retirement portfolio, matched to a self-selected profile.
You self-select across three generic dimensions — draw rate, remaining horizon, and legacy intent — with no dollar amounts, balances, or income required. Hierarchical Risk Parity then runs on the four archetype equity curves, constrained by bucket-sized floor and cap bands drawn from your profile, and compares the composite against both an equal-weight blend and a matched target-retirement income fund.
Each profile is an illustrative educational allocation across the four archetypes — Growth Maximizer (GM), Balanced Growth (BAL), Steady Growth (SG), and Conservative Income (INC) — not a personalized recommendation.
| Profile | Draw rate | Horizon | Legacy | GM / BAL / SG / INC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early retiree, well-funded | 3–4%/yr | 25+ yrs | None | 25 / 25 / 25 / 25 |
| Classic retiree | 4–5%/yr | 15–25 yrs | None | 15 / 25 / 30 / 30 |
| Late retiree | 4–5%/yr | <15 yrs | None | 10 / 20 / 30 / 40 |
| Underfunded retiree | 6%+/yr | Any | None | 5 / 15 / 25 / 55 |
| Legacy-oriented retiree | 3–4%/yr | 25+ yrs | Primary | 40 / 10 / 10 / 40 |
The barbell on the legacy profile
40% Growth Maximizer plus 40% Conservative Income, with a thin middle. Two beneficiaries with opposite horizons — the retiree’s own withdrawals and the heirs’ lifetime — so the structure reflects both. The underfunded profile (6%+/yr) renders with a prominent warning: drawing at that rate is faster than most sustainable-withdrawal research supports, and warrants a conversation with a qualified financial professional.
Eight questions, no dollar amounts, no signup wall. You’ll get your IQ Score, the Blueprint archetype that best fits your general profile, and the full 15–25-year backtest behind it.
Take the free IQ ScoreEducational content only. ETFWealthIQ provides financial education only. Model portfolios are illustrative examples presented for educational purposes and are not personalized investment recommendations. ETFWealthIQ is not a registered investment adviser, portfolio manager, or financial planner. Past performance of model portfolios does not guarantee future results. Before making any investment decision, consult with a qualified financial professional who understands your individual circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance.
Backtested results. All historical performance data represents backtested results computed by open-source software (Boutquin.Trading) using actual historical index and ETF return data. Backtested performance is hypothetical and does not represent actual trading. The source code used to generate these results is publicly available for audit. Actual investment results may differ materially. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Canadian investors. This educational content does not constitute investment advice under Canadian securities law. The provision of investment advice in Canada requires registration with provincial securities regulators, which ETFWealthIQ does not hold.
Open-source software. The Boutquin.Trading backtesting engine is open-source software provided under the MIT License. It is a general-purpose research tool. Use of this software to make investment decisions is at your own risk. The software authors and ETFWealthIQ are not responsible for any losses incurred.