Hi, I first think of CD4017 sequential (decoded) decimal counter, and CD4013 dual latch is also heavily used. You don't have such tight supply accuracy with CMOS.
The CD4017 has those 10 outputs and an overflow when count goes from '9' to zero. So having two IC's gives a count up to 99. Now, don't think in complex terms like for driving a 7 segment display, a fool's errand (I just wanted to use that saying, sorry).
What you CAN do is get a simple output, say for ex, say you want a bell ring every time count hits '7' and you want to reset on count = 8. Just hook up to the pin for 'count =7' and hook the pin for 'count =8' straight to IC reset pin (you probably have to invert that, if the IC needs a low-true reset).
For the case if using CD4013 flip flop, it is liberating as hell to avoid the whole 'Must use a 555 timer, for any circuit timing' mindset. Of course you can do part of your timing using an LM339 for analog ramps, in conjunction with a CD4013 for producing your digital clocks and single shot timers etc.
The whole 555 timer thing seemed almost cult-like to me, however many, many designers would use a 555 without (my) particular slant (! lol).
Hope you can look at some books Forest Mims type are excellent, EXCELLENT.
Look for various titles like 'Circuit Cookbook', 'Analog IC's for Homebrew Circuits'; Any similar titles you can imagine to search web for books.
RJ in Hayward. thanks