🪣 Bucket of Money Retirement Strategy Calculator

Simulate the 3-bucket retirement income strategy with active management — see if your money lasts through your entire retirement.

📋 Your Retirement Snapshot

The total amount of money you've saved for retirement across all accounts.
$
After-tax monthly income you need in retirement.
$
How many years you expect to be retired.

🪣 Bucket Setup & Assumptions

Years of cash reserves (typically 2–3 years). Invested in cash, CDs, short-term bonds.
Years of mid-term reserves (typically 4–5 years). Invested in balanced/bond funds.
Expected return for cash/CDs (typically 0–2%).
%
Expected return for balanced funds (typically 4–6%).
%
Expected return for growth assets (typically 6–8%). Stocks, real estate, ETFs.
%
Bucket 1 (Short-Term)
Bucket 2 (Mid-Term)
Bucket 3 (Growth)
Total Interest Earned
Years Fully Funded

Initial Portfolio Allocation

Bucket 1 — Cash/Short-Term
Bucket 2 — Balanced/Mid-Term
Bucket 3 — Growth/Long-Term
Year Withdraw From Refill Activity End B1 End B2 End B3 Total Status
Year Begin B1 Begin B2 Begin B3 Int B1 Int B2 Int B3 W/D B1 W/D B2 W/D B3 Refill B1 Refill B2 End B1 End B2 End B3
This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Investment returns are not guaranteed, may vary significantly, and past performance does not predict future results. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making any retirement income decisions.