Budgeting Basics Every Senior Should Know for Financial Stability

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Managing finances effectively is essential for seniors to maintain financial stability and independence throughout their retirement years. Understanding basic budgeting principles helps in making informed decisions, avoiding financial difficulties, and ensuring a comfortable lifestyle on a fixed income. 80% of Americans 60 and older continue to face financial insecurity, making it more important than ever for seniors to develop strong money management skills and create realistic budgets that align with their retirement income.

Why Budgeting Matters More in Retirement

Retirement represents a significant financial transition that requires careful planning and adjustment. For older adults living on fixed incomes, finding ways to cut costs has never been more critical. Unlike working years when income may increase over time, retirement typically involves living on a relatively stable amount from sources like Social Security, pensions, and retirement savings. This shift from earning to spending requires a fundamentally different approach to financial management.

Seniors depend mostly or entirely on fixed payments from Social Security, pensions and retirement savings. While Social Security payments increase with inflation, there is generally little change in the monthly income amount. This makes budgeting particularly crucial, as unexpected expenses or poor planning can quickly deplete savings that need to last for decades.

The financial landscape for seniors continues to evolve with changing benefit programs and economic conditions. Updates to Social Security, Medicare, and other benefit programs may influence monthly income and out-of-pocket expenses. Staying informed about these changes allows seniors to adjust their financial strategies and remain in control of their financial well-being.

Understanding Your Income Sources

The first step in creating an effective budget is to identify and understand all sources of income. Many seniors have multiple income streams, and knowing exactly how much money comes in each month provides the foundation for sound financial planning.

Common Income Sources for Seniors

Account for all income sources, including Social Security, pensions, annuities, investment dividends, and any passive or part-time income. Each of these sources may have different payment schedules, tax implications, and reliability factors that need to be considered when building your budget.

Social Security Benefits: For many seniors, Social Security represents the primary source of retirement income. Social Security COLA +2.8% → avg $2,071/mo for 2026, though individual amounts vary based on work history and claiming age. Understanding when and how much you’ll receive is crucial for budget planning.

Pension Income: If you’re fortunate enough to have a pension, this typically provides a steady monthly payment. Some pensions include cost-of-living adjustments, while others remain fixed throughout retirement.

Investment Income: Dividends from stocks, interest from bonds, and distributions from retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs can provide additional income. Variable income may be different month-to-month, and some months you may not get it at all. For example, dividends you receive from investments can vary each month based on the performance of those investments.

Part-Time Work: Advances in technology continue to expand remote and part-time work opportunities, offering seniors low-stress ways to supplement income on their own schedule. Even modest earnings can significantly improve financial flexibility.

Tracking Income Accurately

To create an accurate budget, gather all documentation related to your income sources. Gather up all of your pay stubs from Social Security and other government benefits, pensions, and any money you receive from life insurance plans or other sources. This comprehensive view ensures you don’t overlook any income that could help balance your budget.

Keep detailed records of when payments arrive and in what amounts. This helps you plan for timing differences—for example, if Social Security arrives on the third Wednesday of each month while pension payments come on the first of the month, you’ll need to manage cash flow accordingly.

Identifying and Categorizing Expenses

Understanding where your money goes is just as important as knowing how much comes in. Expenses in retirement can be divided into several categories, each requiring different management strategies.

Fixed Expenses

Monthly fixed expenses: Your mortgage or rent; medical insurance premiums; and fixed debt payments. These costs remain relatively constant from month to month and are typically non-negotiable. Fixed expenses might include:

  • Housing costs (mortgage, rent, property taxes, homeowners insurance)
  • Insurance premiums (health, life, auto, home)
  • Loan payments (car loans, personal loans)
  • Subscription services with set monthly fees
  • HOA fees or condo assessments

Start with your biggest fixed expenses, such as housing costs, car payments and health coverage. Also remember that Original Medicare doesn’t cover everything, and out-of-pocket costs for dental and vision can add up quickly.

Variable Expenses

Monthly flexible expenses: Your food, utilities, and gas for your car. These costs fluctuate from month to month based on usage, choices, and circumstances. Variable expenses include:

  • Groceries and household supplies
  • Utilities (electricity, gas, water)
  • Transportation costs (gas, maintenance, public transit)
  • Entertainment and dining out
  • Clothing and personal care
  • Gifts and charitable donations

Variable expenses offer the most flexibility for budget adjustments. When income is tight, these are typically the first areas where you can reduce spending without affecting essential needs.

Irregular and Annual Expenses

Look beyond everyday expenses to include irregular or annual costs such as insurance premiums, property taxes, home maintenance, and subscriptions. These expenses can catch seniors off guard if not properly planned for. Consider setting aside money each month to cover:

  • Annual insurance premiums
  • Property tax bills
  • Vehicle registration and inspections
  • Home maintenance and repairs
  • Medical expenses not covered by insurance
  • Holiday and birthday gifts

Creating Your Budget Plan

With a clear understanding of income and expenses, you can now create a comprehensive budget plan that works for your specific situation.

Step-by-Step Budget Creation

The first step most financial planners recommend is filling out an expense worksheet that includes all monthly income and expenses. This provides a complete picture of your financial situation and helps identify areas that may need adjustment.

Step 1: Calculate Total Monthly Income

Add up all sources of income you receive in a typical month. Be conservative in your estimates—it’s better to underestimate income than to overestimate and come up short.

Step 2: List All Expenses

For one week, keep track of everything you spend your money on. Be honest! This tracking period helps reveal spending patterns you might not otherwise notice. Extend this to a full month if possible for more accurate data.

Step 3: Compare Income to Expenses

List all income and expenses. Subtract expenses from income to see what you have left. Adjust spending where necessary to avoid shortfalls. If expenses exceed income, you’ll need to make changes either by reducing spending or finding ways to increase income.

Step 4: Allocate Funds Strategically

The CFPB suggests using a flexible budgeting approach such as the 50/30/20 rule, which allocates approximately 50 percent of your income to needs, 30 percent to wants, and 20 percent to savings and debt repayment. This framework provides a balanced approach to managing money while still allowing for enjoyment and financial security.

Matching Income to Expenses

Some people create a retirement budget by matching fixed expenses with guaranteed income, and variable expenses with non-guaranteed income. This strategy ensures that essential costs are always covered by reliable income sources, while discretionary spending depends on variable income that may fluctuate.

For example, use Social Security and pension income to cover housing, insurance, and other fixed costs. Then use investment income, part-time work earnings, or retirement account withdrawals for variable expenses like travel, entertainment, and hobbies.

Planning for Different Retirement Phases

Some people think about the retirement years in three phases: go-go, slow-go, and no-go. The phases reflect that the first part of retirement tends to be filled with more activities than the latter part. That may mean more allocations for travel and hobbies in the first phase, and more in your budget for health care in the latter phase.

Understanding these phases helps you plan for changing needs over time. Early retirement might involve more travel and activity expenses, while later years may see increased healthcare costs but reduced entertainment spending.

Healthcare Budgeting for Seniors

Healthcare represents one of the largest and most unpredictable expense categories for seniors. Proper planning in this area is essential for financial stability.

Understanding Healthcare Costs

Unexpected health care costs are where most older Americans fail in setting up annual budgets. So it’s critical to have ample emergency funds put away specifically for health care costs. Medicare provides valuable coverage, but it doesn’t cover everything.

Medicare Part B: $202.90/mo for 2026, and this premium is just the beginning. Out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, copayments, prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and hearing aids can add thousands of dollars annually to healthcare expenses.

Strategies for Managing Healthcare Expenses

Choosing generic medications, comparing pharmacy prices, and buying medical supplies in bulk can help manage healthcare expenses more effectively. Additional strategies include:

  • Reviewing Medicare plan options annually during open enrollment
  • Considering Medicare Advantage or Medigap policies to reduce out-of-pocket costs
  • Using prescription discount programs and mail-order pharmacies
  • Taking advantage of preventive care services covered by Medicare
  • Exploring community health resources and free screening programs

Open a Health Savings Account (HSA) during your working years to save tax-advantaged funds for healthcare costs. Research supplemental insurance policies, like Medigap, to fill coverage gaps.

Long-Term Care Planning

Evaluate options such as long-term care insurance or alternative savings strategies to prepare for future care needs not covered by Medicare. Long-term care can be extraordinarily expensive, and Medicare provides very limited coverage for these services. Planning ahead—whether through insurance, dedicated savings, or other strategies—can protect your financial security if care becomes necessary.

Building and Maintaining an Emergency Fund

Even with careful budgeting, unexpected expenses will arise. An emergency fund provides a crucial financial cushion that prevents these surprises from derailing your budget.

Why Emergency Funds Matter in Retirement

When you’re living on a fixed income, however, you never know when a sudden large expense could throw your entire financial plan for a loop. Be prepared for the unknown with an emergency fund.

An emergency fund plays an indispensable role for retirees. With unexpected expenses, such as home repairs, health issues or car maintenance, having a robust savings account is more critical than ever. Ideally, this fund should be larger than it was during your working years, as recovery from large, unplanned expenses is more challenging on a fixed income.

How Much to Save

While working adults are often advised to save three to six months of expenses, retirees may need more. Consider saving enough to cover six to twelve months of essential expenses, or at minimum, enough to cover your insurance deductibles and typical emergency costs like home or car repairs.

You can set up a high-yield savings account with your current banking institution or an online bank in a matter of minutes. This allows your emergency fund to earn interest while remaining easily accessible when needed.

Building Your Emergency Fund

If you receive extra income from part-time work or a large tax refund, try to put a portion of that money into your savings account. Or try to save a little every month. Even small, consistent contributions add up over time and provide increasing financial security.

Strategies for Reducing Expenses

When income is fixed, controlling expenses becomes the primary way to improve your financial situation. Fortunately, seniors have access to numerous strategies and programs that can significantly reduce costs.

Housing Cost Reduction

Housing typically represents the largest expense in any budget. It’s critical to evaluate how your housing costs fit into a fixed-income budget. Downsize to a smaller, more affordable home if needed. Other options include:

  • Refinancing your mortgage to a lower interest rate
  • Taking in a roommate or renting out a room
  • Moving to a lower cost-of-living area
  • Applying for property tax relief programs
  • Considering a reverse mortgage (with careful evaluation)

Depending on where you live, you may qualify for property-tax relief if you own your home. According to the King County Assessor, only one in 100 eligible seniors and disabled persons are enrolled. To qualify, you must be 60 or older, or retired due to a physical disability and meet income restrictions.

Utility and Energy Savings

Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or improving home insulation can reduce monthly utility costs. Additional strategies include:

  • Enrolling in budget billing programs that spread costs evenly throughout the year
  • Applying for utility assistance programs like LIHEAP
  • Using programmable thermostats to reduce heating and cooling costs
  • Sealing air leaks and adding weatherstripping
  • Taking advantage of senior discounts offered by utility companies

Consolidating Services: Bundling internet, phone, streaming, or insurance services may unlock discounts and simplify billing.

Grocery and Food Savings

Food costs can consume a significant portion of a fixed income budget. Smart shopping strategies can reduce these expenses without sacrificing nutrition or enjoyment:

Search online recipe sites. Invest in gardening if you love the outdoors and have access to green space or a public gardening patch. Look for coupons and weekly deals at your favorite grocery stores — many now offer apps to ease the shopping experience. Join a store membership or loyalty program to earn future discounts on your purchases. Try more store brands for flavor, quality and grocery savings.

Additional food-saving strategies include:

  • Planning meals around sales and seasonal produce
  • Buying in bulk for non-perishable items
  • Using senior discount days at grocery stores
  • Participating in community meal programs
  • Reducing food waste through proper storage and meal planning

Subscription and Service Audits

Review what subscription services you are paying for monthly and then determine which ones you are actually using and which ones you can drop. This includes everything from streaming services to gym memberships to newspapers and magazines.

According to a 2024 YouGov survey, more than half of U.S. adults are paying for subscriptions they don’t use. Conducting a thorough audit of recurring charges can reveal significant savings opportunities.

Maximizing Benefits and Assistance Programs

Many seniors miss out on valuable benefits and assistance programs simply because they don’t know about them or haven’t applied. These programs can significantly improve financial stability.

Unclaimed Benefits

Americans leave more than $16 billion in government benefits for which they qualify on the table every year. This represents a massive opportunity for seniors to improve their financial situations.

Millions of older adults miss out on money-saving benefits simply because they don’t apply. Start today by answering a few questions to see if you qualify, and learn how to get help to apply.

Finding Available Benefits

It’s smart for older folks to educate themselves about any benefits for which they might qualify. You can research your benefits by using the council’s free online tool, BenefitsCheckUp. This comprehensive tool helps identify federal, state, and local programs that can assist with:

  • Prescription drug costs
  • Healthcare expenses
  • Food and nutrition assistance
  • Utility bill payment
  • Property tax relief
  • Housing assistance

There are nearly 2,000 benefits programs that can help you pay for food, medicine, utilities, and other daily expenses. Visit NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp to learn more and get connected to programs in your area.

Senior Discount Programs

Many insurance providers offer “senior” discounts, as well as “paperless” discounts for enrolling in online billing. It’s also worth shopping around to compare quotes.

Senior discounts are available across many categories:

  • Retail stores and restaurants
  • Entertainment venues and attractions
  • Travel and transportation
  • Banking and financial services
  • Healthcare and pharmacy services

Always ask about senior discounts—many businesses offer them but don’t advertise them prominently. Carrying proof of age and membership cards for organizations like AARP can help you access these savings.

Community Resources

Assistance programs may offer help with utilities, housing costs, prescriptions, and tax relief. Community Support: Local senior centers and community organizations often provide free financial education workshops, counseling, and resource referrals.

Local Area Agencies on Aging can connect you with services including transportation, meal programs, legal assistance, and financial counseling. These resources are often free or low-cost and specifically designed to help seniors maintain independence and financial stability.

Managing Debt in Retirement

Carrying debt into retirement can significantly strain a fixed income budget. Understanding how to manage and reduce debt is crucial for financial stability.

The Reality of Senior Debt

More than 62% of older adult households carry debt. This represents a significant increase — 44% higher, compared with 30 years ago, according to a 2021 Congressional Research Service report.

When asked what financial challenges they faced in 2024, 28 percent of Gen Xers (ages 44 to 59) and 14 percent of boomers (ages 60 to 78) said they took on debt, and 19 percent of Gen Xers and 13 percent of boomers said they depleted their savings.

Prioritizing Debt Repayment

Developing a strategy to address any existing debt could be advantageous, especially prioritizing high-interest obligations like credit card debts. Focus on paying off high-interest debt first, as the interest charges can quickly compound and consume a significant portion of your fixed income.

Taking steps to reduce your debt can help you enjoy a less stressful retirement. Once you’ve paid down your debt, a larger portion of your fixed income is available to cover living costs.

Avoiding New Debt

On a fixed income, taking on new debt should be avoided whenever possible. High-interest loans and credit card debt can quickly spiral out of control when income is limited. Before making major purchases, consider:

  • Whether the purchase is truly necessary
  • If you can save up and pay cash instead
  • Whether lower-cost alternatives exist
  • How the monthly payment will affect your budget

Social Security benefits are generally protected from creditors, but can be garnished for federal taxes, child support, alimony or federal debts. Some financial advisers tell older adults not to prioritize debt payments at the expense of basic needs like food and medicine.

Tools and Technology for Budget Management

Modern technology offers numerous tools that can simplify budget management and help seniors stay on track with their financial goals.

Budgeting Apps for Seniors

While older adults’ technology and smartphone usage has grown rapidly over the last 10 years, the budgeting apps available provide excellent choices for many seniors.

It’s not only an app for tracking spending. It also focuses on teaching users how to make better spending decisions so that financial goals can be reached. Popular budgeting apps offer features like:

  • Automatic transaction tracking
  • Spending categorization
  • Bill payment reminders
  • Budget goal setting and monitoring
  • Financial reports and insights

The National Council on Aging offers an online budget checkup tool that’s specifically designed for adults 65 and older. AARP’s budget calculator is also a great budgeting tool; no membership is required.

Traditional Tracking Methods

Not everyone is comfortable with technology, and that’s perfectly fine. Traditional methods like paper ledgers, spreadsheets, and envelope systems work just as well for tracking income and expenses. The key is finding a system you’ll actually use consistently.

Employing budgeting tools or spreadsheets can aid in monitoring spending habits and pinpointing potential areas for financial adjustments. Choose whatever method feels most comfortable and sustainable for your situation.

Reviewing and Adjusting Your Budget

A budget is not a static document—it needs regular review and adjustment to remain effective as circumstances change.

Regular Budget Reviews

A budget is not a set-it-and-forget-it exercise. USA.gov advises that you review and adjust your budget regularly for income changes, increased expenses, and shifts in priorities or lifestyle.

Regular reviews of your financial plan with a professional are essential. Annual or biannual meetings can help you assess your investments’ performance and ensure you’re sticking to your budget. These reviews also offer projections for future cash flow and spending, allowing for timely adjustments.

When to Adjust Your Budget

Several situations warrant budget adjustments:

  • Changes in income (cost-of-living adjustments, new income sources, loss of income)
  • Major life events (health changes, moving, loss of spouse)
  • Significant changes in expenses (healthcare costs, housing changes)
  • Inflation affecting purchasing power
  • Achievement of financial goals requiring new priorities

Your retirement needs and priorities may change over time. Review your budget annually to reflect shifts in income, expenses, or lifestyle goals. A flexible plan keeps your finances aligned with your evolving retirement.

Adjusting for Inflation

Incorporating a contingency for inflation within your budget can safeguard against the decreasing purchasing power of a fixed income due to rising costs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index experiences an average of 3.7% inflation annually.

While your income may stay the same, everyday expenses like groceries, healthcare, and utilities often increase. Even with Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), these increases might not fully keep up with inflation.

Tax Planning and Considerations

Taxes don’t disappear in retirement, and proper tax planning can help you keep more of your fixed income.

Understanding Retirement Tax Obligations

Strategic tax planning can reduce liabilities, protect retirement income, and help seniors make the most of available deductions and credits. Retirement income from different sources is taxed differently:

  • Social Security benefits may be partially taxable depending on total income
  • Traditional IRA and 401(k) withdrawals are typically fully taxable
  • Roth IRA withdrawals are generally tax-free
  • Pension income is usually taxable
  • Investment income may be subject to capital gains taxes

NEW $6,000 senior tax deduction for 2026 provides additional tax relief for qualifying seniors. Understanding and claiming all available deductions and credits can significantly reduce your tax burden.

Tax-Efficient Withdrawal Strategies

The order in which you withdraw from different retirement accounts can significantly impact your tax liability. Working with a financial advisor or tax professional can help you develop a withdrawal strategy that minimizes taxes while meeting your income needs.

Estate Planning and Financial Protection

Comprehensive financial planning for seniors extends beyond daily budgeting to include protection of assets and planning for the future.

Essential Estate Planning Documents

Working with a financial planner or estate attorney helps ensure assets are protected and distributed according to personal wishes. Key documents include:

  • Will or living trust
  • Durable power of attorney for finances
  • Healthcare power of attorney
  • Living will or advance directive
  • Beneficiary designations on accounts

It’s important for every senior to complete a durable financial power of attorney (POA) document. If an elder is ever unable to make sound financial decisions for themselves, this legal document names a trustworthy person (known as the agent) to act on their behalf in a financial capacity. Many family caregivers also assist with money management for seniors who are still competent, and a financial POA document comes in handy in these situations as well.

Protecting Against Financial Exploitation

Staying on top of money coming in can also help protect you from scams. Unfortunately, older adults often fall prey to common scams and lose billions annually to fraud. Review bank statements regularly, be cautious of unsolicited calls or emails, and consider identity-protection tools to safeguard your finances.

Practical Tips for Staying on Track

Successful budgeting requires consistent habits and practical strategies that make financial management easier and more sustainable.

Daily Money Management Habits

  • Maintain detailed expense records: Track every purchase, no matter how small, to understand spending patterns and identify areas for improvement.
  • Use cash for discretionary spending: Withdrawing a set amount of cash for entertainment, dining, and other flexible expenses helps prevent overspending.
  • Automate bill payments: Set up automatic payments for fixed expenses to avoid late fees and ensure bills are paid on time.
  • Review statements regularly: Check bank and credit card statements weekly to catch errors, unauthorized charges, or spending that’s getting out of control.
  • Keep financial documents organized: Maintain a filing system for important papers, making it easier to track expenses and prepare for tax time.

Smart Shopping Strategies

  • Make shopping lists and stick to them
  • Compare prices before making purchases
  • Wait 24-48 hours before making non-essential purchases
  • Buy quality items that last rather than cheap items that need frequent replacement
  • Take advantage of senior discount days and programs
  • Consider buying gently used items for significant savings

Communication and Support

If you’re like most Americans, you may feel uncomfortable talking about your finances. Unfortunately, this can prevent you from getting the information and help you need to build good money and debt management skills.

Don’t hesitate to:

  • Discuss financial concerns with trusted family members
  • Seek help from financial counselors or advisors
  • Attend financial education workshops at senior centers
  • Join support groups for seniors managing fixed incomes
  • Ask questions about benefits, programs, and services

When to Seek Professional Help

While many seniors can successfully manage their budgets independently, certain situations warrant professional assistance.

Financial Counseling Services

NFCC offers free or low-cost financial counseling. Professional financial counselors can help with:

  • Creating comprehensive budgets
  • Developing debt repayment plans
  • Understanding benefit programs
  • Making difficult financial decisions
  • Planning for long-term financial security

Financial Advisors

Engaging the services of a financial advisor who specializes in retirement planning might provide tailored guidance on budgeting and help in addressing retirement income complexities and tax considerations.

Consider working with a financial advisor if you:

  • Have complex investment portfolios
  • Need help with tax planning strategies
  • Are making major financial decisions
  • Want professional oversight of your retirement plan
  • Need help coordinating multiple income sources

Daily Money Managers

If a senior can’t decide who to name, they may want to consider hiring a daily money manager. Their services meet a variety of needs, including organizing and keeping track of financial paperwork, writing checks, paying bills, budgeting and managing bank accounts.

Supplementing Fixed Income

When expenses consistently exceed income despite careful budgeting, finding ways to supplement retirement income may be necessary.

Part-Time Work Opportunities

Many seniors find that part-time work provides not only additional income but also social engagement and a sense of purpose. Options include:

  • Consulting in your former field
  • Retail or customer service positions
  • Tutoring or teaching
  • Freelance or gig economy work
  • Seasonal employment

Be aware of how additional income might affect Social Security benefits if you haven’t reached full retirement age, and understand the tax implications of working while receiving retirement benefits.

Monetizing Assets

Consider whether you have assets that could generate income:

  • Renting out a room or property
  • Selling items you no longer need
  • Renting out parking spaces or storage
  • Sharing skills through paid hobbies

Building Financial Confidence

Staying informed about financial products and services and understanding your consumer rights increases your financial confidence and resilience. Financial literacy also helps protect you from scams and fraud.

It will be a powerful tool for helping you achieve toward greater financial stability. And remember, using a budget takes practice. Even if you hit some obstacles along the way, keep trying.

Financial stability in retirement is achievable with proper planning, consistent effort, and willingness to adjust as circumstances change. By adopting thoughtful budgeting strategies, staying informed, and planning proactively, seniors can maintain financial wellness and greater peace of mind.

Additional Resources for Senior Financial Planning

Numerous organizations and websites provide valuable resources specifically designed to help seniors manage their finances:

  • National Council on Aging (NCOA): Offers BenefitsCheckUp tool and Budget CheckUp resources at www.ncoa.org
  • AARP: Provides budget calculators, financial education, and advocacy for seniors at www.aarp.org
  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Offers financial education resources and consumer protection information at www.consumerfinance.gov
  • Medicare.gov: Provides information about healthcare coverage and costs at www.medicare.gov
  • Social Security Administration: Offers benefit calculators and account management at www.ssa.gov

Conclusion

Budgeting on a fixed income requires discipline, planning, and ongoing attention, but it’s entirely manageable with the right approach and resources. By understanding your income sources, tracking expenses carefully, taking advantage of available benefits and discounts, and maintaining flexibility to adjust as circumstances change, you can achieve financial stability and peace of mind throughout your retirement years.

Remember that budgeting is a skill that improves with practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect—the important thing is to start and keep refining your approach. Whether you’re just entering retirement or have been managing a fixed income for years, it’s never too late to improve your financial situation through better budgeting.

The key to successful financial management in retirement is staying proactive, informed, and willing to seek help when needed. With the strategies and resources outlined in this guide, you have the tools necessary to take control of your finances and enjoy the retirement you’ve worked so hard to achieve.