How-to

Create a model and run the projection

Adopt or build an asset allocation model in Ironlake, then run the deterministic projection across base, conservative, and stressed scenarios.

2 min read

An Asset Allocation Model is your target mix - sleeves, asset classes, and per-class assumptions - as a versioned object, not a formula you re-paste each quarter. Once you have one, the projection engine shows whether the plan covers what you need. Both steps are fully included in the free trial, with no positions required.

Step 1 - Adopt a template or build your own

Go to Models in the sidebar. You can:

  • Adopt a template from the gallery (Bogle three-fund, Ferri Core Four, Swensen, Browne Permanent, Dalio All-Weather, Yale, 60/40, 70/30, Income-Tilt) and adjust it, or
  • Build a custom model by defining sleeves (income, equity, alternatives, cash) and the asset classes inside each, with target weights and drift bands.

Adopting a template forks it into your own model so you can edit freely.

Step 2 - Set the per-class assumptions

Each asset class carries assumptions you can inspect and change. The projection is driven by the return, inflation, and income-yield assumptions. The volatility band, tax character, and benchmark are recorded on the model for other surfaces - allocation, income, and cost & performance - and do not move the projection trace. Nothing that drives a result is a hidden black box.

Step 3 - Finalize the model

Finalize when the structure is balanced. Like the IPS, finalized model versions are immutable and effective-dated, so your assumptions are recorded as of a date.

Step 4 - Run the deterministic projection

Open the projection. Ironlake runs three explicit scenarios from your inputs:

  • Base - your assumptions as entered.
  • Conservative - returns reduced and inflation raised.
  • Stressed - a one-time equity drawdown in an early year, after which base returns resume.

You get a year-by-year trace for each, plus a failure marker if a trace depletes the portfolio. It is deterministic, not a Monte Carlo simulation - the point is to see whether the plan covers your spending under each set of assumptions, with every input visible. For the full methodology, see how the projection engine works.

Step 5 - Save a scenario or snapshot

Save a named scenario (it re-renders against the current model whenever you change assumptions) or capture a snapshot (frozen at that moment for the record). Either way, the run is preserved.

What you have now

A governing model and a projection you can return to before any major decision. A natural next step is your first year-end checklist.

Build your model