By Tom Russell

Sometimes a really practical and important book on financial planning arrives to provide important new guidance, especially in times of turmoil. So many people dwell in serious confusion today regarding their investments, and what to do next after all the upheaval. Just such a book is Buckets of Money by Ray Lucia. Go here for an extended excerpt.

Each of his “buckets” represents a different component to a comprehensive retirement plan. One bucket is for the immediate term financial requirements. Other buckets are for midrange and long term requirements. This system finds the balance between risk and reward with a wholistic approach.

The idea is to arrange your investments to place time on your side. I strongly encourage you to order yoru copy of Buckets of Money: How to Retire in Comfort and Safety through Amazon.com or through your library. Financial education is crucial, since leaving everything in the hands of a financial planner has proven to often be precarious. The more you know the better your questions, and the more comfortable you will feel going forward.