The 3 Bucket Strategy: What Most People Get Backwards

The 3 Bucket Strategy: What Most People Get Backwards

Our mission is simple: help you build a retirement plan that feels like a paycheck—reliable, steady, and designed to last your lifetime. If you’ve ever worried about running out of money, especially during a market downturn, you’re not alone. And we want you to know: there’s a way to prevent that stress.

It Starts With Income—Not Just Investments

You may have heard us say this before: in retirement, it’s not about how much you’ve saved, but how much you can reliably withdraw. Some of the most successful retirees don’t just have big portfolios—they have consistent, protected income streams. That’s why we focus on building your Retirement Income Foundation first.

We’ll work with you to:

• Calculate how much of your essential expenses are covered by guaranteed income (like Social Security or a pension).
• Identify any gaps, and help you explore tools that can fill them, such as annuities with income riders or other pension-like strategies.
• Create a “Retirement Triangle” built on three key buckets:
  • Guaranteed income (your lifestyle paycheck)
  • Guaranteed principal (your safety net)
  • Risk growth (your long-term upside)

The Power of Purpose-Based Allocation

Unlike what you may have heard from other advisors, we don’t believe age alone should decide how aggressive or conservative your investments should be. Instead, we look at how much guaranteed income you already have.

In other words, a 70-year-old with a substantial pension may take more investment risk than a 40-year-old freelancer with unstable income—and that’s perfectly rational. This is what we mean when we say: allocation should be based on purpose, not age.

Protecting You From the “Upside-Down Triangle”

Too many retirees unknowingly rely too heavily on risky investments for income, essentially flipping their financial foundation upside down. That’s a fragile place to be, especially in a recession.
We help you flip it back by building a more substantial base:
Stable income streams (using reliable insurance-based tools)

• Liquidity for unexpected expenses
• Market exposure only after your lifestyle is secured

This gives you the ability to ride out market volatility without panic—and with your income intact.

Your Custom Strategy, Your Terms

We know the word “annuity” can raise questions. That’s why we educate first, recommend second. We help you evaluate:

• What types of annuities or income riders (if any) make sense for your plan
• How to balance guaranteed income with flexibility and legacy goals
• Which carriers offer the strongest protection with the lowest fees

And because we’re independent, we shop across many companies to find the right fit, not just push a single product.

Let’s Replace Your Paycheck, Together

You’ve spent years earning a steady paycheck, and retirement shouldn’t feel any different. Our goal is to help you create reliable income that lasts, so you can enjoy life without constantly worrying about market swings or outliving your savings.

This isn’t just about growing assets—it’s about creating confidence in your financial future.
Here’s how we can help:

• Design an income plan that supports your lifestyle
• Reduce your dependence on unpredictable market returns
• Turn your savings into a steady, sustainable income stream

When you’re ready, we’ll guide you through the process—step by step, on your terms.