Buckets of Money: How to Retire in Comfort and Safety

by Raymond J. Lucia

In his book, "Buckets of Money®: How to Retire in Comfort and Safety," Ray Lucia, CFP, a longtime financial planner, nationally-syndicated radio show host, TV personality and national speaker, outlines a plan aimed at helping others to prepare for and live a comfortable retirement without worrying about running out of money. Financial literacy is a life-long process, and in his book, Ray tries to encourage this progression by providing simple and flexible strategies that will foster and serve an individual's needs now and in the future. In an easy-to-understand and often humorous style, Ray Lucia dissects his "Buckets of Money®" strategy, explaining how to "protect and grow your nest egg, in a smart and conservative manner, with little risk." Ray emphasizes the provable and scientific aspects of personal finance and through dozens of "Lucia's Laws," exposes fallacies of money management that tend to be generally believed. The book contains real life examples and scenarios that provide readers with an understanding of the "Buckets of Money®" strategy and the framework to begin "Bucketizing" their portfolio. A self-assessment is included in the book to help readers evaluate their investing style and understand the Buckets strategy, specifically for themselves. A worksheet allows readers to experiment with different dollar amounts, time periods, rates of return, and inflation so they can estimate and realistically understand what to expect from their portfolio. Along with the Buckets explanation and worksheets, Ray > Gives tips on how to find the right financial planner for you, > Outlines steps on how to "bulletproof" your retirement, and > Expresses thoughts about the true role money plays in our lives

Genres: Finance, Nonfiction

260 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Sharon Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book in 2004, it was part of my early retirement planning, but now that interest rates on CD's have been and probably will continue for some time to be sub 1% I don't think his system makes sense anymore.

[Ethan Fleck · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was kind of all over the place, advice wise. While it gave some "extra tips" that were frankly better than the "buckets" strategy IMO, it also had some info that was counter-intuitive to what I've heard so far. Also of important note, this book was written before the housing bubble, I think around 2002 or so, which can either be considered as timeless or out of date, depending on what is being discussed.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to follow way to look at your future personal finances. A really helpful read! "Buckets Of Money" has helped to simplify how you look at retirement planning and what you need to do.

Ray Lucia is a funny guy to!

[Christina]

Recommended by my financial planner. Started to read it, but found it really dull. Will try again another day.

[Kevin]

First book on the strategy. Well documented and researched.

[Phillip · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was good but I have definitely read better investment-type books.