Introduction (100–200 words)
Retirement planning tools are software and calculators that help you estimate whether you’re on track for retirement—and what to change if you’re not. In plain English: they turn your savings, spending, investments, and Social Security (or pension) assumptions into a forecast you can act on.
They matter more in 2026 and beyond because retirement planning is increasingly shaped by volatile markets, higher longevity, shifting interest-rate regimes, rising healthcare costs, and the mainstream adoption of subscription financial planning. At the same time, secure account aggregation and AI-assisted “what-if” analysis have made planning faster and more personalized.
Common real-world use cases include:
- Stress-testing retirement readiness after a career change or relocation
- Comparing Roth vs. traditional contributions and withdrawal strategies
- Planning for early retirement (FIRE) with healthcare and tax considerations
- Coordinating household finances for couples (different ages, incomes, pensions)
- Building advisor-grade plans with client portals and ongoing monitoring
What buyers should evaluate (6–10 criteria):
- Forecasting depth (Monte Carlo vs. basic projections)
- Tax awareness (Roth conversions, withdrawal order, brackets)
- Account aggregation accuracy and refresh cadence
- Scenario modeling (retire earlier/later, market shocks, inflation)
- Usability (data entry burden, clarity of outputs)
- Integrations (custodians, CRM, payroll, budgeting apps)
- Collaboration (household sharing, advisor-client workflow)
- Security controls (MFA, encryption, audit logs, RBAC/SSO where relevant)
- Exportability (reports, PDFs, data portability)
- Pricing model and long-term value
Best for: individuals and households who want clarity on retirement readiness; financial advisors who need plan creation, client collaboration, and repeatable workflows; and employers or benefits teams evaluating planning experiences for employees.
Not ideal for: people with very simple finances who only need a quick retirement number (a basic calculator may be enough), or users who refuse account linking and don’t want manual data entry—spreadsheets or a one-time consultation may be more efficient.
Key Trends in Retirement Planning Tools for 2026 and Beyond
- AI-assisted scenario building: Tools increasingly suggest scenarios (retire date options, savings changes) and translate complex outputs into plain-language summaries.
- Retirement income “decumulation” focus: More emphasis on withdrawal strategies, guardrails, and sequence-of-returns risk—not just accumulation projections.
- Tax-aware modeling becoming table stakes: Roth conversion planning, tax bracket management, and withdrawal ordering are moving from “advanced” to expected.
- Higher expectations for account aggregation: Users want reliable connections to banks, brokerages, 401(k)s, and credit cards with fewer broken links and better categorization.
- Privacy-first and security-by-default: MFA, encryption, device-level security, and clearer data retention controls are increasingly demanded—even in consumer tools.
- Client/advisor collaboration loops: Advisor platforms are building lightweight client portals, data gathering, and ongoing monitoring to shift planning from a one-time plan to a recurring service.
- Dynamic spending and lifestyle modeling: “Smile” spending curves, healthcare cost ramps, long-term care assumptions, and part-time work modeling are gaining traction.
- Interoperability via APIs and exports: Planning outputs need to travel—into CRMs, client portals, spreadsheets, and investment reporting systems.
- More transparent subscription pricing: Buyers increasingly prefer straightforward monthly/annual pricing over opaque, quote-only packages (though enterprise remains variable).
How We Selected These Tools (Methodology)
- Prioritized widely recognized retirement planning products across consumer and advisor markets.
- Evaluated feature completeness: projections, scenario modeling, retirement income planning, and reporting.
- Considered usability signals: speed to first plan, clarity of outputs, and ongoing maintenance burden.
- Looked for ecosystem strength: integrations, export options, and compatibility with common financial workflows.
- Assessed security posture signals based on publicly described controls (without assuming certifications).
- Included tools spanning different user segments: DIY individuals, households, and professional advisors.
- Favored tools with ongoing product relevance (active development, modern UX, updated planning concepts).
- Ensured a balanced mix of planning depth vs. accessibility to match different buyer needs.
Top 10 Retirement Planning Tools
#1 — Boldin (formerly NewRetirement)
Short description (2–3 lines): A DIY retirement planner focused on detailed “what-if” modeling—social security timing, taxes, healthcare, and retirement income strategy. Best for individuals who want depth without hiring an advisor.
Key Features
- Detailed retirement cash-flow modeling (income, expenses, assets, liabilities)
- Scenario comparisons (retire date changes, spending shifts, market assumptions)
- Social Security timing exploration and income planning workflows
- Tax-aware planning features (varies by plan/tier)
- Retirement income strategy exploration (withdrawal planning concepts)
- Goal-based modules (housing decisions, healthcare assumptions, contingencies)
- Reports and plan outputs geared toward decision-making
Pros
- Strong depth for DIY users who want more than a basic calculator
- Useful for iterating scenarios repeatedly over time
Cons
- Requires careful data entry and assumption management to stay accurate
- Can feel complex if you only want a quick checkup
Platforms / Deployment
Web / Cloud
Security & Compliance
Not publicly stated (consumer-grade security controls may include MFA and encryption; specifics vary)
Integrations & Ecosystem
Typically used as a standalone planner; workflows often involve importing/exporting values and maintaining assumptions manually.
- Account linking/aggregation: Varies / Not publicly stated
- Export/reporting options: Varies / Not publicly stated
- Household collaboration: Varies / Not publicly stated
- Advisor workflows: Primarily DIY-oriented (advisor use varies)
Support & Community
Documentation and onboarding guidance are available; support tiers and response times vary / not publicly stated.
#2 — Empower Personal Dashboard (Personal Capital)
Short description (2–3 lines): A popular net-worth and portfolio tracking platform with retirement planning projections. Best for people who want account aggregation plus retirement readiness visuals in one place.
Key Features
- Account aggregation across banking, investments, credit, and loans
- Retirement planner with projected income/expenses and goal tracking
- Portfolio analytics (allocation, performance views, fee awareness concepts)
- Cash flow and budgeting snapshots tied to linked accounts
- Goal tracking beyond retirement (major purchases, education, etc.)
- Mobile-friendly tracking and alerts (varies by device settings)
- Advisor option available for those who want managed advice (varies)
Pros
- Strong “single dashboard” feel for net worth + retirement planning
- Useful for ongoing monitoring without constant manual updates
Cons
- Planning depth may be less customizable than specialized retirement planners
- Account connection reliability can vary across institutions
Platforms / Deployment
Web / iOS / Android / Cloud
Security & Compliance
Not publicly stated (MFA and encryption are commonly expected; details not confirmed here)
Integrations & Ecosystem
Primarily a dashboard ecosystem centered on aggregation rather than deep third-party planning integrations.
- Aggregates many financial institutions (coverage varies)
- Data export: Varies / Not publicly stated
- Advisor relationship options: Varies / Not publicly stated
- Budgeting and cash flow are native rather than integrated
Support & Community
Support availability varies by product tier; community is broad due to mainstream adoption (details vary / not publicly stated).
#3 — Fidelity Retirement Planning (Retirement Analysis tools)
Short description (2–3 lines): Brokerage-integrated retirement planning experience for Fidelity customers, combining holdings, contributions, and goal tracking. Best for users who keep most assets at Fidelity and want planning tied to real account data.
Key Features
- Goal setting and retirement readiness tracking
- Projections based on linked Fidelity accounts and contributions
- Scenario tweaks (retirement age, savings rate, risk profile assumptions)
- Education content and prompts aligned to plan steps
- Integration with workplace retirement accounts (where applicable)
- Ongoing monitoring tied to account changes
- Planning workflows alongside brokerage actions (contributions, allocation updates)
Pros
- Convenient if your accounts are already at Fidelity
- Lower friction from plan to action (change contributions/investments)
Cons
- Less ideal if your finances are spread across many institutions
- Planning assumptions may be less transparent than specialized tools
Platforms / Deployment
Web / iOS / Android / Cloud
Security & Compliance
Not publicly stated (MFA is commonly available on major brokerages; other controls vary)
Integrations & Ecosystem
Best within the Fidelity ecosystem; external integrations are limited compared with advisor platforms.
- Strong native tie-in to Fidelity accounts
- Workplace plan context where available
- Data portability/export: Varies / Not publicly stated
- Third-party planning integrations: Varies / N/A
Support & Community
Support is typically available through standard brokerage support channels; documentation varies by region and account type.
#4 — Vanguard Retirement Planning (Investor tools and calculators)
Short description (2–3 lines): Retirement planning calculators and goal tools for Vanguard investors. Best for long-term index investors who want simple, planning-first guidance integrated with their Vanguard holdings.
Key Features
- Goal-based retirement planning and basic projection tools
- Retirement income estimates based on savings and time horizon
- Assumption toggles (savings rate, retirement age, risk tolerance)
- Educational guidance aligned to long-term investing behavior
- Integration with Vanguard account holdings for current investors
- Simple outputs designed for clarity rather than complexity
- Planning alongside contribution and investment workflows
Pros
- Straightforward, low-friction planning for Vanguard-centric households
- Clear guidance style for long-term investors
Cons
- Advanced tax and withdrawal strategy modeling may be limited
- Less customizable than dedicated retirement planning software
Platforms / Deployment
Web / iOS / Android / Cloud
Security & Compliance
Not publicly stated (MFA is commonly available on major brokerages; other controls vary)
Integrations & Ecosystem
Primarily anchored to Vanguard accounts rather than broad integrations.
- Native integration with Vanguard holdings
- External account aggregation: Varies / Not publicly stated
- Export/reporting: Varies / Not publicly stated
- Advisor services option may exist depending on region (varies)
Support & Community
Support typically follows standard brokerage support channels; community is large but tool-specific documentation varies.
#5 — Schwab Retirement Planning Tools
Short description (2–3 lines): Brokerage-integrated planning tools aimed at helping Schwab customers map goals to saving and investing actions. Best for Schwab users who want retirement planning embedded into their investing workflow.
Key Features
- Goal-based retirement planning and readiness indicators
- Scenario adjustments (retirement date, savings rate, risk profile)
- Integration with Schwab accounts and balances
- Planning prompts that connect to actions (contributions, investing)
- Education resources to explain planning trade-offs
- Ongoing plan tracking as account values change
- Access to human help options (varies by service)
Pros
- Convenient for Schwab-first households
- Planning-to-action loop is easier within one brokerage
Cons
- Depth for decumulation/tax strategy may be limited vs. specialist tools
- Less useful if most accounts are elsewhere
Platforms / Deployment
Web / iOS / Android / Cloud
Security & Compliance
Not publicly stated (MFA is commonly available on major brokerages; other controls vary)
Integrations & Ecosystem
Best when used as part of the Schwab ecosystem; integrations vary.
- Strong native brokerage integration
- External account linking: Varies / Not publicly stated
- Exports and reporting: Varies / Not publicly stated
- Advisor services: Varies / N/A
Support & Community
Support is typically available via brokerage channels; planning-tool-specific support varies by account/service level.
#6 — T. Rowe Price Retirement Income Tools (calculators and planning resources)
Short description (2–3 lines): A set of retirement-focused calculators and planning experiences oriented around retirement income and readiness. Best for individuals who want guided estimates and education-oriented planning.
Key Features
- Retirement income estimation and readiness calculators
- Spending and savings inputs with projection outputs
- Guidance-oriented planning steps and educational framing
- Assumption adjustments (age, savings rate, retirement age)
- Modules that may address income drawdown concepts (varies)
- Suitable for quick planning checks without heavy setup
- Often used alongside retirement education content
Pros
- Accessible and easy to start for many users
- Helpful for quick “directional” planning
Cons
- Not as robust for complex household, tax, or decumulation strategies
- Often less personalized unless you provide detailed inputs
Platforms / Deployment
Web / Cloud
Security & Compliance
Not publicly stated
Integrations & Ecosystem
Generally used as a standalone planning resource rather than a deeply integrated platform.
- Export/reporting: Varies / Not publicly stated
- Account linking: Varies / Not publicly stated
- Advisor workflows: N/A for most users
- Ongoing monitoring: Limited (varies by experience)
Support & Community
Primarily self-serve guidance; support varies / not publicly stated.
#7 — eMoney Advisor
Short description (2–3 lines): Advisor-grade financial planning platform used for retirement, cash flow, and client portals. Best for RIAs, wealth managers, and enterprises that need collaborative planning with clients.
Key Features
- Comprehensive financial planning (retirement, cash flow, goals, insurance concepts)
- Client portal for document sharing and ongoing plan visibility
- Account aggregation and data gathering workflows (capabilities vary by setup)
- Advanced scenario planning for retirement and life events
- Reporting outputs suitable for client presentations
- Collaboration features (tasks, plan updates, meeting workflows)
- Enterprise administration features (team management, permissions; varies)
Pros
- Strong fit for professional planning workflows and client collaboration
- Built for ongoing planning relationships, not one-off projections
Cons
- Overkill and cost-prohibitive for most DIY individuals
- Implementation and training effort can be significant
Platforms / Deployment
Web / Cloud
Security & Compliance
Not publicly stated (enterprise controls such as RBAC, audit logs, and SSO may be available depending on tier)
Integrations & Ecosystem
Designed to sit in an advisor tech stack; integration depth often depends on purchased modules and partners.
- Account aggregation and data feeds (varies)
- CRM and document workflows (varies)
- Custodian and portfolio data connectivity (varies)
- APIs/export options: Varies / Not publicly stated
- Single sign-on and enterprise identity options: Varies / Not publicly stated
Support & Community
Typically offers enterprise onboarding and support; documentation and training resources exist; specifics vary by contract / not publicly stated.
#8 — MoneyGuidePro
Short description (2–3 lines): A widely used advisor planning platform focused on goals-based planning and retirement projections. Best for advisors who want structured planning outputs and repeatable client conversations.
Key Features
- Goals-based retirement planning framework and plan outputs
- Scenario modeling for life events and market variability concepts
- Client-friendly visuals and presentation-ready reports
- Data gathering and plan maintenance workflows (varies)
- Collaboration features for ongoing client engagement (varies)
- Advisor workflow features for building repeatable plans
- Modules and add-ons depending on packaging (varies)
Pros
- Designed for advisor-client communication and consistent processes
- Useful balance of depth and usability for many advisory firms
Cons
- Less suitable for DIY consumers without an advisor context
- Integration depth and advanced tax modeling can vary by configuration
Platforms / Deployment
Web / Cloud
Security & Compliance
Not publicly stated (RBAC/SSO/audit log capabilities may vary by tier)
Integrations & Ecosystem
Often used as part of a broader advisor ecosystem; integration specifics vary by firm setup.
- Commonly paired with custodian data and portfolio reporting (varies)
- CRM and client portal workflows (varies)
- Export/reporting for compliance files (varies)
- API availability: Varies / Not publicly stated
Support & Community
Training resources and support are typically available for advisory firms; community presence is strong in advisor circles (details vary / not publicly stated).
#9 — RightCapital
Short description (2–3 lines): Advisor-focused financial planning software known for modern UI and client engagement features. Best for firms that want a contemporary client experience and interactive planning meetings.
Key Features
- Retirement planning and goal modeling with interactive scenarios
- Client portal and engagement tools (varies by plan)
- Account aggregation and data entry workflows (capabilities vary)
- Plan comparison views for “what-if” decisions
- Presentation-friendly outputs for live meetings
- Team collaboration features for advisors (varies)
- Integrations commonly expected in advisor stacks (varies)
Pros
- Modern interface can reduce friction during client reviews
- Strong for interactive “what changes if…” conversations
Cons
- DIY individuals may find it inaccessible without an advisor setup
- Depth in niche tax/estate cases may require supplements or specialist tools
Platforms / Deployment
Web / Cloud
Security & Compliance
Not publicly stated (enterprise controls may vary)
Integrations & Ecosystem
Designed to fit into a modern RIA toolkit; integration breadth varies by tier and partnerships.
- Account aggregation/data feeds: Varies / Not publicly stated
- CRM and workflow alignment: Varies / Not publicly stated
- Portfolio reporting/custodian connectivity: Varies / Not publicly stated
- Export/reporting: Varies / Not publicly stated
Support & Community
Typically provides advisor onboarding and support; documentation quality varies / not publicly stated.
#10 — MaxiFi Planner
Short description (2–3 lines): A retirement planning tool centered on lifetime financial planning and consumption smoothing concepts. Best for households who want a more “economics-driven” approach to spending and claiming decisions.
Key Features
- Lifetime planning framework (income, spending, benefits, longevity assumptions)
- Social Security claiming analysis emphasis (varies by inputs and configuration)
- Household modeling (spouses, survivor scenarios)
- Scenario comparisons (retirement timing, spending changes, work changes)
- Focus on decision guidance rather than investment dashboards
- Reports that support discussion and planning actions
- Useful for complex benefit timing questions (varies)
Pros
- Strong conceptual approach for optimizing lifetime decisions
- Useful for households with complex income streams or timing choices
Cons
- UI/UX may feel less “dashboard-like” than modern fintech tools
- Not primarily designed as an account aggregation platform
Platforms / Deployment
Web / Cloud (varies / not publicly stated)
Security & Compliance
Not publicly stated
Integrations & Ecosystem
Typically used as a specialized planner alongside other tracking or advisory systems.
- Account aggregation: Varies / Not publicly stated
- Exports: Varies / Not publicly stated
- Advisor workflow integrations: Varies / Not publicly stated
- API access: Not publicly stated
Support & Community
Support availability and onboarding vary / not publicly stated; community is more niche than mainstream dashboards.
Comparison Table (Top 10)
| Tool Name | Best For | Platform(s) Supported | Deployment (Cloud/Self-hosted/Hybrid) | Standout Feature | Public Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boldin (NewRetirement) | DIY users wanting deep scenario modeling | Web | Cloud | Detailed “what-if” retirement scenarios | N/A |
| Empower Personal Dashboard | Net worth + retirement tracking with aggregation | Web, iOS, Android | Cloud | Strong account aggregation dashboard | N/A |
| Fidelity Retirement Planning | Fidelity customers who want planning tied to accounts | Web, iOS, Android | Cloud | Tight brokerage integration | N/A |
| Vanguard Retirement Planning | Vanguard investors wanting simple, clear planning | Web, iOS, Android | Cloud | Long-term investor-friendly guidance | N/A |
| Schwab Retirement Tools | Schwab customers planning inside brokerage workflows | Web, iOS, Android | Cloud | Planning-to-action convenience | N/A |
| T. Rowe Price Tools | Quick retirement income estimates and education | Web | Cloud | Accessible calculators for quick checks | N/A |
| eMoney Advisor | Advisors needing comprehensive planning + client portal | Web | Cloud | Advisor-grade portal and planning breadth | N/A |
| MoneyGuidePro | Advisors running goals-based planning processes | Web | Cloud | Structured goals-based planning outputs | N/A |
| RightCapital | Advisors prioritizing modern UI + client engagement | Web | Cloud | Interactive planning experience | N/A |
| MaxiFi Planner | Households optimizing lifetime spending/benefit timing | Varies / N/A | Cloud (varies) | Economics-driven lifetime planning approach | N/A |
Evaluation & Scoring of Retirement Planning Tools
Scoring model: each criterion is scored 1–10 (higher is better). Weighted total is calculated using:
- Core features – 25%
- Ease of use – 15%
- Integrations & ecosystem – 15%
- Security & compliance – 10%
- Performance & reliability – 10%
- Support & community – 10%
- Price / value – 15%
| Tool Name | Core (25%) | Ease (15%) | Integrations (15%) | Security (10%) | Performance (10%) | Support (10%) | Value (15%) | Weighted Total (0–10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boldin (NewRetirement) | 9 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7.35 |
| Empower Personal Dashboard | 7 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7.10 |
| Fidelity Retirement Planning | 7 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7.05 |
| Vanguard Retirement Planning | 6 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.75 |
| Schwab Retirement Tools | 6 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6.60 |
| T. Rowe Price Tools | 5 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 6.40 |
| eMoney Advisor | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 7.45 |
| MoneyGuidePro | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 7.15 |
| RightCapital | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7.45 |
| MaxiFi Planner | 7 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5.95 |
How to interpret these scores:
- Scores are comparative, not absolute—your best choice depends on your needs and constraints.
- “Core” favors depth in modeling (income, taxes, decumulation, scenarios) over simple calculators.
- “Integrations” reflects how well the tool fits into a broader workflow (aggregation, exports, advisor stacks).
- “Value” depends on perceived ROI for the target user (DIY household vs. advisory firm), not list price.
Which Retirement Planning Tool Is Right for You?
Solo / Freelancer
If you’re self-employed, your retirement plan often needs to handle irregular income, variable savings rates, and tax trade-offs.
- Choose Boldin (NewRetirement) if you want deep scenario testing (retire early, healthcare costs, savings bursts).
- Choose Empower Personal Dashboard if your top need is ongoing tracking of net worth and accounts with retirement projections.
- Use T. Rowe Price-style calculators if you just need a quick directional estimate before you commit time to setup.
SMB
For small businesses, the “buyer” may be the individual owner, a small finance team, or an advisor serving many SMB owners.
- Boldin works well for owner-operators who want to run frequent what-ifs (sale of business, relocation, variable income).
- Advisor-led SMBs typically do better with RightCapital, MoneyGuidePro, or eMoney Advisor depending on how formal the planning process is.
Mid-Market
Mid-market households and clients often have multiple accounts, employer plans, and more complex tax considerations.
- If DIY: consider Boldin plus an aggregation dashboard (if you prefer separation of planning and tracking).
- If advisor-supported: RightCapital (modern client experience) or MoneyGuidePro (structured process) are common fits; eMoney is strong if you need a portal-centric, ongoing collaboration model.
Enterprise
Enterprise use is usually advisor enterprises, large wealth platforms, or institutions running standardized planning programs.
- eMoney Advisor often fits enterprise portal and administration needs (depending on contract and required controls).
- MoneyGuidePro can work well for standardized goals-based planning across many advisors.
- For brokerages, native tools (Fidelity/Vanguard/Schwab) can reduce friction if assets are held in-house and the goal is guided engagement at scale.
Budget vs Premium
- Budget-friendly / high value: T. Rowe Price calculators (simple), Vanguard/Fidelity/Schwab planning (if you’re already a customer), Empower dashboard-style tracking.
- Premium (advisor-grade): eMoney, MoneyGuidePro, RightCapital—more costly but designed for client service delivery and repeatability.
Feature Depth vs Ease of Use
- If you want maximum depth: Boldin, eMoney (advisor).
- If you want ease and speed: T. Rowe Price calculators, Vanguard-style simpler tools, and brokerage-native planners.
Integrations & Scalability
- If you need a tool to sit inside an advisor tech stack, prioritize eMoney, MoneyGuidePro, or RightCapital.
- If you need personal aggregation, prioritize Empower or a brokerage-native experience where your assets live.
Security & Compliance Needs
- For consumers: insist on MFA, strong password hygiene, and minimal data sharing—avoid over-linking accounts if you’re uncomfortable.
- For firms: require clarity on RBAC, audit logs, SSO/SAML, and data retention. If these aren’t clearly documented publicly, request written confirmation during procurement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between a retirement calculator and a retirement planning tool?
A calculator gives a quick estimate based on a few inputs. A planning tool typically models cash flow over time, supports multiple scenarios, and helps you adjust actions (savings, retirement age, spending, withdrawal strategy).
Do these tools replace a financial advisor?
They can for straightforward situations, but they don’t replace judgment for complex taxes, estate planning, insurance, or business ownership. Many households use tools for baseline clarity and an advisor for validation and strategy.
Are these tools accurate?
They’re only as accurate as your inputs and assumptions (inflation, returns, spending, longevity). Treat outputs as decision support, not guarantees—then stress-test pessimistic scenarios.
Which tool is best for early retirement planning?
Tools with strong scenario modeling are usually best. Look for retirement-date toggles, healthcare cost assumptions, and the ability to model income bridges before Social Security.
Do I need to link my bank and brokerage accounts?
No. Linking reduces manual work and improves monitoring, but manual entry can be safer and sometimes more reliable. The trade-off is time and the risk of stale data.
How do advisor tools differ from consumer tools?
Advisor tools typically add client portals, standardized reports, collaboration workflows, team permissions, and integrations with custodians/CRMs. Consumer tools optimize for self-serve setup and personal dashboards.
What pricing models are common in retirement planning tools?
Common models include free calculators, freemium dashboards, and subscriptions for advanced planning. Advisor platforms are often quote-based or tiered. Exact pricing varies / not publicly stated for many tools.
What are the most common retirement planning mistakes people make in these tools?
Overestimating returns, underestimating healthcare and taxes, forgetting one-time expenses (roof, car, tuition help), and not modeling sequence-of-returns risk. Also: not updating the plan after life changes.
Can I switch tools without starting over?
Sometimes. If a tool supports exports, you can reuse your assumptions and balances, but you may need to re-enter scenario logic. Plan for a “migration weekend” to validate everything line by line.
What should I look for in security before linking accounts?
At minimum: MFA, clear encryption claims, and transparency about data sharing and retention. For business use: ask about SSO/SAML, RBAC, audit logs, and incident response processes (often not publicly stated on marketing pages).
Do these tools handle taxes well?
Some do, some don’t. If you need Roth conversion planning and detailed withdrawal ordering, prioritize tools known for deeper modeling—or pair a tool with a qualified tax professional.
What are good alternatives if I don’t want software?
A spreadsheet plus a conservative set of assumptions can work well for simple cases. Another alternative is a one-time financial plan engagement, then an annual review cadence.
Conclusion
Retirement planning tools range from quick calculators to advisor-grade platforms that support deep scenario modeling, client collaboration, and ongoing monitoring. In 2026 and beyond, the biggest differentiators are decumulation planning, tax-aware modeling, reliable account aggregation, and security expectations that match how sensitive retirement data is.
There’s no single “best” tool—your ideal choice depends on whether you’re DIY or advisor-led, how complex your finances are, and whether you need integrations and repeatable workflows.
Next step: shortlist 2–3 tools that match your scenario (DIY depth vs. brokerage convenience vs. advisor platform), run a small pilot using your real numbers, and validate the outputs, integrations, and security posture before committing long-term.