Ditch the Budget, Embrace the Buckets

1. For Pre-Retirees: "From Numbers to Next Steps: Review Your Budget and Build Your Retirement Timeline"

One of the biggest reasons people feel anxious about retirement is because they don’t have a clear plan—they’re in Jamie’s shoes. Jamie didn’t know what his money was for or how long it would last. But Ann did—she had clarity because she organized her financial life using the Now, Later, and Never Money framework. You don’t need predictions to plan. You just need purpose.

Whether retirement is five or fifteen years away, having a roadmap is essential. It’s not about trying to guess what the market will do—it’s about creating a plan that can guide you through whatever it does. Think of it like building the foundation of a home. Without it, everything else feels shaky.

Review Your Budget and Build a Retirement Timeline: Before retirement, it’s essential to take a good look at how you're spending your money today. Start by categorizing your expenses—what’s essential, what’s flexible, and what could go away in retirement? Then, use that clarity to create a personal retirement timeline. Map out key dates, like when you’ll claim Social Security, when you’ll transition off employer healthcare, or when major life events (downsizing, travel, family support) are likely to happen. From there, build a visual timeline of your retirement transition. Include key decision points—such as when you’ll stop working, when you'll begin drawing Social Security or a pension, when to consider Medicare enrollment, or when you might downsize your home. Add milestones that reflect your life goals, too—like extended travel, helping adult children, or pursuing new hobbies. This process transforms a vague future into a concrete, flexible roadmap you can adjust over time.

When you pair budget clarity with timeline planning, you're no longer just 'saving for retirement.' You're building a lifestyle around your real priorities. That’s how you shift from guessing to guided—and from worried to ready.

2. For Retirees: "Budgeting Without the Budget: Planning Cash Flow with Purpose in Retirement"

Let’s be honest: the word “budget” doesn’t sit well with most people—it sounds like restriction. But as we saw with Jamie, not having a plan can lead to panic. Ann didn’t need to predict the future—she just needed to know what her money was designed to do. That’s the heart of our Now, Later, Never framework. In retirement, this kind of clarity is more than helpful—it’s essential.

Redefine 'Budgeting': Let’s drop the baggage that comes with the word "budget." Retirement isn’t about restricting your spending—it’s about being intentional. Use the Now Money, Later Money, and Never Money framework to assign purpose to every dollar.

Now Money covers your everyday essentials and occasional treats—the money that gives you confidence in your daily life.

Later Money is what you’ll draw from in the next 5–15 years—investment income, Social Security, maybe part-time work. This bucket needs strategy, not stress.

Never Money supports legacy goals—whether that’s helping family, supporting causes, or long-term healthcare. This can be invested with patience.

Plan Cash Flow, Not Just Numbers: Think about how you want your retirement to feel. Do you want to travel? Help a grandchild with college? Maintain your current lifestyle? Let your goals drive your plan.

Check In Without Overreacting: A good plan adapts. Revisit your spending and your buckets once or twice a year—or when life changes. This isn’t about strict limits; it’s about feeling calm and confident with your cash flow.

LynnLeigh & Company - A Registered Investment Advisor This information is provided by LynnLeigh & Co. for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable – LynnLeigh & Co. advisors cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances. To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.   Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.

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