Renowned Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary advocates a straightforward method for individuals to effectively plan and save for their retirement: calculating their “90-day number.”
This article will delve into how this innovative strategy functions and the steps you can take to apply it in your financial planning today.
Understanding the Concept of the ’90-Day Number’
The 90-day number strategy involves summing all your income from the last 90 days and deducting all your expenses during that same timeframe, as highlighted in The Street’s review of O’Leary’s book. If you arrive at a positive figure, this indicates that you are living within your means, suggesting that you should increase your retirement contributions. Conversely, a negative outcome implies that it may be time to cut back on your spending.
This 90-day number does not forecast your retirement timeline; rather, it transforms long-term financial planning into practical actions you can initiate immediately. This rule serves as a guide, urging you to either invest additional funds into your retirement or to reduce your expenditures, enabling you to enhance your contributions and secure your financial future. O’Leary perceives this strategy as a crucial alert for individuals aiming to save more, yet struggling with excessive spending that hinders their goals.
Why Adopting a 90-Day Perspective Surpasses a Monthly Budget
Although you can utilize a monthly budget framework, adopting a 90-day view proves to be more beneficial as it accommodates irregular bills, seasonal spending variations, and fluctuations in income. A single month may reflect poor spending habits due to unexpected expenses, such as an emergency veterinary bill or an urgent car repair, amid an otherwise strong financial year. Similarly, a bonus received can inflate one month’s financial outlook, making it appear exceedingly positive despite an otherwise challenging year.
The 90-day perspective helps to minimize the influence of one-off financial events and assess whether your lifestyle is genuinely sustainable. It also aligns with the amount you can contribute to your retirement plans annually. Individuals cannot consistently increase their retirement contributions if debt repayments and overspending dominate their cash flow. By keeping your expenses in check, you can gain the momentum needed to elevate contributions to — and potentially even reach the maximum for — your 401(k), Individual Retirement Account (IRA), or other retirement savings accounts.
Strategies to Utilize the 90-Day Number for Enhanced Retirement Savings
If you implement this framework and achieve a positive number, consider allocating a portion of that surplus to a 401(k) or IRA, particularly if you already maintain an emergency fund that can cover at least three to six months of living expenses. Conversely, a negative number serves as a caution that it may be time to cut back on expenses — perhaps by reducing the frequency of dining out — or exploring avenues to augment your income.
Additionally, take into account your anticipated Social Security benefits. Remember that the most effective financial strategy for your situation will depend on various factors, including your personal financial goals, risk tolerance, savings, and income.
Clara Jensen is a passionate author and financial blogger at Oxford Wise Finance, where she explores a range of general topics with a focus on personal finance and economic literacy. With a background in economics and years of experience in the finance sector, Clara aims to empower readers with practical knowledge and actionable insights. Through her engaging writing style, she demystifies complex financial concepts, making them accessible to all. When she’s not writing, Clara enjoys traveling and discovering new ways to manage her own financial journey.
