By: Chip and Jamie Hunt

A Simple Guide for Everyday Women (and Couples) Nearing Retirement Who Want Financial Peace of Mind

If you’re approaching retirement and wondering:

“How do I turn what I’ve saved into income I can count on—month after month, year after year?”

You’re not alone.

Many women—often the quiet CFO of their household—have been the steady hand behind the family finances for decades. She’s practical, smart, generous with her time, and used to making good decisions. Now, with retirement just ahead, she’s wondering:

“How much can I safely spend each month without worry?”

“Will what we’ve saved be enough—for the rest of our lives?”

This guide was made for such women and couples—and for anyone who wants to enjoy retirement without second-guessing every purchase or trip.

Let’s walk through the basics of building a personalized retirement income plan that gives you clarity, confidence, and breathing room.

---

1. Start with A New Mindset: It’s Okay to Start Spending

For years, you’ve saved carefully, watched your spending, and put off big splurges. That discipline helped you get here.

But now what?

It’s time to shift gears! Retirement is the season when saving turns into spending with purpose.

That doesn’t mean being reckless, it means being intentional. That means building a plan to turn your savings into a steady, reliable paycheck using:

• Social Security
• Pensions
• 401(k)s, IRAs, and savings
• Investment income

A good income plan doesn’t just tell you what you can spend—it helps you feel secure doing it.

---

2. Forget the One-Size-Fits-All Rules

You may have heard of the “4% rule” for retirement withdrawals. It’s a rough guideline—but real life isn’t a formula.

You deserve more than a generic rule of thumb. A personalized withdrawal plan should reflect your:

• Monthly needs and goals
• Travel or family plans
• Health care considerations
• Tax-smart withdrawal timing
• How and when you claim Social Security

We help you build a plan that matches your life—so you don’t have to wonder if you’re doing it right.

---

3. Keep It Simple and Lower Risk with the “Bucket Strategy”

One approach that brings clarity (and calm) is the so-called “bucket strategy”—dividing your savings into different spending “buckets” based on when you’ll need it:

• Bucket 1 – Spending for Now (1–2 years): Cash for everyday spending—bills, groceries, travel.
• Bucket 2 – Spending for Soon (3–7 years): More conservative type investments that gradually replenish Bucket 1 (your cash bucket) as it dwindles down with spending.
• Bucket 3 – Spending for Later (8+ years): Long-term growth type investments that help protect against inflation and gradually replenish Bucket 2 as it dwindles down.

Knowing you’ve set aside money for today, tomorrow, and the future helps reduce anxiety when markets bounce around. Since current spending comes from Bucket 1 (the cash bucket), you do not have to worry about selling investments in a depressed market. Smart you!!

---

4. Life Changes—Your Plan Should Too

The quiet CFO understands that life doesn’t follow a script. She knows that travel plans shift. Markets are volatile. Unplanned expenses pop up out of nowhere.

That’s why the best retirement income plan is flexible. It lets you:

• Adjust when needed
• Pause during down years
• Take more when the time is right
• Rebalance accounts thoughtfully

At PrimeTRUST Advisors, our goal isn’t perfection—it’s delivering you the security and peace of mind that you want. You deserve a reliable plan that works with your life, not someone else’s expectations for your life.

---

5. Work With Someone Who Understands You

Too many people feel like financial advice isn’t made for them—it’s confusing, impersonal, or full of jargon.

That’s not how we work.

We sit down with you, listen to your goals, and walk through each step clearly and patiently. No pressure. No fast talk. Just a thoughtful, well-organized plan tailored to you.

We want you to feel understood, cared for, and confident.

---

6. You’ve Done the Hard Work—Now Enjoy It

You’ve saved. You’ve been wise. You’ve put others first.

Retirement isn’t about spreadsheets—it’s about freedom:

• Living a quiet, simple lifestyle
• Visiting family and grandkids
• Taking that road trip you always talked about
• Volunteering and giving to causes you care about
• Reading on the porch with a cup of coffee and no alarm clock

Let’s make sure your money supports that life—without constant worry.

---

This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is always best to counsel with your financial advisor or your tax professional to ensure that you make the best decision for your circumstances.