The 3 Financial Buckets Every Woman Should Have
By Neil Stalter, CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®, CBEC®, CDFA®, Associate Partner | Wealth Manager
& Allison Oberembt, CFP®, Financial Advisor
If you’ve ever wondered how to organize your money in a way that makes sense— both for today and the future— you’re not alone. Many women juggle competing priorities: managing a household, building a career, supporting family, or planning their next chapter. And whether life is calm or full of change, one strategy we return to time and time again is the 3-bucket approach.
Think of your finances as three distinct buckets. Each has a purpose, and how you fill them depends on your goals and timelines. What makes this strategy so powerful is its flexibility— whether you’re just starting out, preparing for retirement, or navigating something in between. The buckets are designed to adapt as your life evolves.
Bucket 1: Your safety net (short-term)
This is your no-stress, no-risk bucket— the place for money you might need in the next 6 to 24 months. This bucket covers regular expenses, surprise costs, or even short-term goals like a vacation or home repair.
Funds here typically live in checking or savings accounts, CDs, or money markets— tools designed for safety and easy access. Some women come to us with too little cash set aside, creating stress when emergencies happen. Others hold too much cash, missing opportunities for growth. Our role is to help find your balance, ensuring you feel secure without being overly cautious.
Bucket 2: Your bridge money (intermediate-term)
This middle bucket is for money you’ll need in the next few years, typically for goals two years or more away. It might be used for college tuition, real estate investments, or a business expansion. Since there’s time to grow but not enough time to ride out major volatility, we tailor this strategy carefully to your timeline.
We often use diversified brokerage accounts or real estate holdings here, depending on the goal. When markets perform well, this is often where we trim gains to refill the short-term bucket, helping keep everything in balance.
Bucket 3: Your long game (long-term growth)
This is where your future lives. The long-term bucket is designed for goals 10+ years away— like retirement, future gifting, or legacy planning. Because it has time to weather market cycles, it’s also your strongest defense against long-term risks like inflation and outliving your savings.
These funds might include retirement accounts, long-term investment portfolios, or other vehicles aligned with your goals. The specific account type isn’t what defines the bucket—it’s the timeline that matters. For clients who are retired, we often help divide their nest egg into short, intermediate, and long-term portions to ensure there’s always accessible money, while the rest continues to grow.
Life changes— so should your buckets
One of the best parts of this strategy is how it grows with you. As your life shifts, your financial buckets shift too. When goals change, we rebalance. When markets are up, we take gains. When short-term needs arise, we refill the cash bucket from longer-term assets. It’s a smart, intentional way to stay financially grounded— especially during times of transition.
Every woman’s version of these buckets looks different. For example, we’ve helped clients rebalance after selling a business, going through a divorce, or stepping into retirement. That’s why we always begin with your values and vision. Once we understand your life, the strategies fall into place— and the relationship doesn’t end there. We check in with clients regularly— whether that’s quarterly, semi-annually, or annually— tailored to what works best for them. These ongoing reviews ensure your plan stays aligned with your life, and when unexpected changes happen, we’re just a phone call away. Over time, our clients learn to keep us in the loop when life shifts, trusting that we’ll help them adapt their strategy with clarity and confidence.
The bottom line
Financial planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a simple structure and a plan built around your timeline, you can feel more confident in how your money supports the life you want— now and in the future.
Whether you’re in a season of transition or simply want to take a more intentional look at your finances, the three-bucket strategy is a great place to start.
Bio
Neil Stalter, CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®, CBEC®, CDFA® and Allison Oberembt, CFP® are financial advisors with Diamond State Financial Group, working together as a team to provide comprehensive financial planning. Neil, an Associate Partner and Wealth Manager, brings over a decade of experience, ensuring continuity and long-term guidance for their clients. Together, they specialize in helping business owners, women, and pre-retirees navigate wealth management, retirement strategies, and generational planning with confidence.
With a shared commitment to building lasting relationships, they take a collaborative approach to creating personalized strategies that evolve with their clients’ needs. Beyond their work, Neil and Allison are actively involved in their community, supporting charitable initiatives and local organizations.
Disclosures
Registered Representatives offering securities through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. 900 Prides Crossing, Newark, DE 19713.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. Rebalancing may be a taxable event. Before you take any specific action be sure to consult with your tax professional.
Diamond State Financial Group
302-366-0366
900 Prides Crossing, Newark, Delaware
Follow on facebook @diamondstatefinancialgroup
