The Bucket Strategy for Retirement Withdrawals
The bucket strategy is a way to structure your retirement savings so withdrawals feel more predictable and less tied to whatever the market is doing that week. Instead of keeping everything in one big pool, you split assets into separate “buckets” based on when you’ll need the money - near-term spending, mid-term needs, and long-term growth. This approach is popular with retirees who want reliable income while still giving part of the portfolio room to grow. By keeping short-term cash on hand, it can also help you avoid selling stocks in a downturn, which may reduce stress and overall portfolio risk.