“Volatility” is just another word for unpredictable, rapid change. So why do so many retirees and investors fear it in regard to the market? Likely because their plan isn’t set up to withstand short-term swings. But I love volatility, and I even have a sticker in my office that says “I ❤️ Volatility” to prove it. See, market volatility brings opportunity and begs the question, “How can there be growth if things always stay the same?”
If the headlines have you feeling uneasy about your portfolio, you’re not alone. Between inflation, rate changes, election-year noise, and unpredictable markets, it’s easy to wonder: Will my retirement income be okay? It’s natural to have an emotional reaction—watching the numbers swing up and down can rattle even the most seasoned investors. But the truth is, there’s nothing to fear when you have a solid plan in place. As financial titan Warren Buffett wrote in an annual letter to shareholders, “Even in volatile times, clarity about what you truly understand remains your best hedge against unnecessary risk.”
That’s why we rely on a proven strategy called The Bucket Plan®—a practical, simple method for keeping your income secure, your long-term goals on track, and your emotions in check—so you don’t lose sleep over every market swing.
I’ve heard of the bucket list—but what’s The Bucket Plan®?
The Bucket Plan® is a structured approach to asset allocation that breaks down your wealth into three distinct “buckets”—each with a specific purpose and time horizon:
- Now Bucket: Cash and liquid assets to cover short-term needs (next 12 months), readily accessible so you're not forced to sell investments in a downturn.
- Soon Bucket: Designed for the mid-term (next 2–10 years). This bucket is focused on generating predictable income, allowing for conservative growth without compromising stability.
- Later Bucket: Focused on long-term growth (10+ years). This is where investments have time to recover from volatility before you need to access them—ideal for legacy planning and long-term retirement goals.
By ensuring a steady income while building in room for future growth, The Bucket Plan® allows for more flexibility and stability in your financial landscape—all while reducing emotional decision-making and improving long-term outcomes along the way.
Why a Proactive Plan Matters Now
In this new era of increased market volatility, it’s important to work to ensure your investments are positioned with purpose. The Bucket Plan® specifically helps you navigate today’s market conditions by:
- Helping ensure a safe, steady income, thereby reducing the need to sell during downturns
- Allowing for greater flexibility according to your risk tolerance
- Giving peace of mind knowing your plan is proactive, not reactive, and built with market volatility in mind
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What happens to my retirement income if the market crashes?”— The Bucket Plan® is your answer.
Integrating The Bucket Plan® with Your Tax Strategy
The Bucket Plan® doesn’t stand alone. We pair it with our Tax Management Journey® to help reduce your tax burden while supporting your long-term income goals. This integrated approach ensures that your withdrawals are not only sustainable but tax-smart over time.
Whether you're recently retired, transitioning out of a business, or simply tired of feeling anxious every time you see the numbers drop, we’re here to help you create a solid, strategy-backed retirement income plan that’s built to withstand the ever-changing economic weather.
Let’s talk about how The Bucket Plan® can help you shore up your savings strategy and support your retirement goals—no matter the market conditions. Book your complimentary planning session today.