Quick Overview
- 1#1: NewRetirement - Comprehensive DIY retirement planning tool that models scenarios, Social Security, healthcare, and taxes for personalized financial roadmaps.
- 2#2: Empower - Free wealth management platform with retirement planner that tracks net worth, investments, and projects future savings needs.
- 3#3: ProjectionLab - Interactive retirement simulator allowing custom what-if scenarios, Monte Carlo analysis, and flexible income modeling.
- 4#4: RightCapital - Modern financial planning software featuring retirement goal tracking, cash flow projections, and scenario comparisons.
- 5#5: WealthTrace - Advanced retirement planning tool with Monte Carlo simulations, stress testing, and detailed portfolio optimization.
- 6#6: MaxiFi Planner - Economically optimized retirement planner that maximizes lifetime spending using dynamic programming models.
- 7#7: MoneyGuidePro - Goal-based financial planning software with robust retirement projections, risk assessment, and advisor-client collaboration.
- 8#8: eMoney Advisor - Holistic financial planning platform offering retirement income strategies, asset allocation, and household cash flow analysis.
- 9#9: Holistiplan - Tax-smart financial planning tool focused on Roth conversions, retirement withdrawal strategies, and tax-efficient planning.
- 10#10: OnTrajectory - Affordable retirement and financial planning software with scenario modeling, goal tracking, and Monte Carlo simulations.
Rigorous evaluation prioritized features like scenario modeling, Monte Carlo analysis, ease of use, and value, ensuring the tools deliver both depth and accessibility to support informed retirement decisions.
Comparison Table
Navigating retirement planning software can be complex, but this comparison table streamlines the process by featuring tools like NewRetirement, Empower, ProjectionLab, RightCapital, WealthTrace, and more. Readers will find key details—including features, pricing, user-friendliness, and alignment with retirement goals—to simplify choosing the right software for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NewRetirement Comprehensive DIY retirement planning tool that models scenarios, Social Security, healthcare, and taxes for personalized financial roadmaps. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | Empower Free wealth management platform with retirement planner that tracks net worth, investments, and projects future savings needs. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | ProjectionLab Interactive retirement simulator allowing custom what-if scenarios, Monte Carlo analysis, and flexible income modeling. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | RightCapital Modern financial planning software featuring retirement goal tracking, cash flow projections, and scenario comparisons. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | WealthTrace Advanced retirement planning tool with Monte Carlo simulations, stress testing, and detailed portfolio optimization. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | MaxiFi Planner Economically optimized retirement planner that maximizes lifetime spending using dynamic programming models. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | MoneyGuidePro Goal-based financial planning software with robust retirement projections, risk assessment, and advisor-client collaboration. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | eMoney Advisor Holistic financial planning platform offering retirement income strategies, asset allocation, and household cash flow analysis. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Holistiplan Tax-smart financial planning tool focused on Roth conversions, retirement withdrawal strategies, and tax-efficient planning. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | OnTrajectory Affordable retirement and financial planning software with scenario modeling, goal tracking, and Monte Carlo simulations. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
Comprehensive DIY retirement planning tool that models scenarios, Social Security, healthcare, and taxes for personalized financial roadmaps.
Free wealth management platform with retirement planner that tracks net worth, investments, and projects future savings needs.
Interactive retirement simulator allowing custom what-if scenarios, Monte Carlo analysis, and flexible income modeling.
Modern financial planning software featuring retirement goal tracking, cash flow projections, and scenario comparisons.
Advanced retirement planning tool with Monte Carlo simulations, stress testing, and detailed portfolio optimization.
Economically optimized retirement planner that maximizes lifetime spending using dynamic programming models.
Goal-based financial planning software with robust retirement projections, risk assessment, and advisor-client collaboration.
Holistic financial planning platform offering retirement income strategies, asset allocation, and household cash flow analysis.
Tax-smart financial planning tool focused on Roth conversions, retirement withdrawal strategies, and tax-efficient planning.
Affordable retirement and financial planning software with scenario modeling, goal tracking, and Monte Carlo simulations.
NewRetirement
specializedComprehensive DIY retirement planning tool that models scenarios, Social Security, healthcare, and taxes for personalized financial roadmaps.
Integrated Roth conversion optimizer that simulates multi-year strategies to minimize lifetime taxes
NewRetirement is a comprehensive online retirement planning platform that empowers users to model their financial future with detailed projections for income, expenses, investments, taxes, and healthcare costs. It offers scenario planning, Monte Carlo simulations, and optimization tools for Social Security, Roth conversions, and withdrawal strategies to maximize retirement security. The tool is designed for DIY planners seeking advisor-level insights without high fees.
Pros
- Exceptionally detailed financial modeling including taxes, healthcare, and longevity risks
- Powerful optimization tools for Social Security and Roth conversions
- Intuitive interface with unlimited scenario testing and Monte Carlo analysis
- Free basic planner with affordable premium upgrades
Cons
- Steep learning curve for absolute beginners due to depth of features
- No integration with live financial advisors or robo-advisors
- Limited mobile app functionality (primarily web-based)
Best For
DIY retirees and pre-retirees who want sophisticated, data-driven planning without paying for professional advice.
Pricing
Free basic planner; Premium ($120/year) adds optimizations and reports; Optimizer ($240/year) includes advanced Roth and withdrawal tools.
Empower
specializedFree wealth management platform with retirement planner that tracks net worth, investments, and projects future savings needs.
Retirement Fee Analyzer that identifies hidden fees across all linked accounts
Empower (formerly Personal Capital) is a comprehensive financial platform focused on retirement planning, offering free tools to track net worth, forecast retirement scenarios, and analyze investment portfolios. Users can link bank, investment, and retirement accounts for a holistic view, with features like Monte Carlo simulations to assess retirement readiness. It also provides access to certified financial planners for personalized advice through premium services.
Pros
- Powerful retirement planner with Monte Carlo simulations and scenario testing
- Free dashboard for net worth tracking and investment checkups
- Seamless account aggregation and access to CFP advisors
Cons
- Premium advisory requires $100K minimum assets
- Aggressive upselling to paid services
- Dashboard can overwhelm users with too much data
Best For
Pre-retirees and high-net-worth individuals seeking robust free retirement forecasting with optional professional guidance.
Pricing
Free tools; advisory fees 0.89% AUM on first $1M (tiered lower after), $100K minimum.
ProjectionLab
specializedInteractive retirement simulator allowing custom what-if scenarios, Monte Carlo analysis, and flexible income modeling.
Interactive 'what-if' sliders that instantly update projections as you adjust variables like spending or returns
ProjectionLab is a web-based retirement planning tool that enables users to build detailed financial projections incorporating investments, taxes, Social Security, expenses, and market volatility. It features interactive visualizations and Monte Carlo simulations to stress-test retirement scenarios against various risks. The platform supports complex strategies like Roth conversions and allows sharing plans with advisors or family members.
Pros
- Sophisticated tax modeling including Roth ladders and brackets
- Real-time interactive sliders for scenario testing
- Robust Monte Carlo simulations for risk analysis
Cons
- Manual data entry with no direct account integrations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Limited mobile optimization compared to desktop
Best For
DIY investors and pre-retirees seeking in-depth, customizable retirement projections without advisor fees.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Pro at $10/month or $96/year; Family plan at $15/month or $144/year.
RightCapital
enterpriseModern financial planning software featuring retirement goal tracking, cash flow projections, and scenario comparisons.
Interactive cash flow waterfall visualization for real-time retirement scenario adjustments
RightCapital is a modern, cloud-based financial planning software tailored for financial advisors, specializing in retirement planning through dynamic cash flow modeling, Monte Carlo simulations, and decumulation strategies. It offers tools for tax optimization, Social Security planning, and scenario analysis, enabling advisors to create interactive, visual plans. The platform integrates seamlessly with custodians, CRMs, and account aggregators, making it efficient for client engagement and portfolio management.
Pros
- Intuitive visual interface with drag-and-drop cash flow modeling
- Robust retirement-specific tools like Social Security optimizer and Roth conversion analysis
- Excellent integrations with 100+ custodians and CRMs
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for complex estate planning
- Reporting features lag behind more established competitors
- Higher pricing tiers required for full enterprise functionality
Best For
Financial advisors seeking an intuitive, client-facing tool focused on retirement cash flow and scenario planning.
Pricing
Starts at $150 per advisor/month for core plan, scaling to $250+ for premium tiers with advanced integrations and unlimited clients.
WealthTrace
specializedAdvanced retirement planning tool with Monte Carlo simulations, stress testing, and detailed portfolio optimization.
Advanced Monte Carlo engine with pathway analysis and customizable success probabilities
WealthTrace is a professional-grade financial planning software tailored for retirement planning, leveraging advanced Monte Carlo simulations to forecast portfolio outcomes under thousands of market scenarios. It enables users to perform detailed scenario analysis, stress testing, and goal-based planning while integrating with custodians like Schwab and Fidelity for real-time data. The platform excels in probabilistic modeling for advisors managing complex client retirements, offering customizable reports and progress tracking.
Pros
- Highly accurate Monte Carlo simulations with 100,000+ paths and conditional logic
- Seamless integrations with major custodians and CRM systems
- Robust scenario testing and stress analysis for retirement goals
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Pricing is advisor-focused and expensive for solo users
Best For
Financial advisors handling high-net-worth clients who need sophisticated probabilistic retirement forecasting.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for basic plans, scaling to $199+ for pro/enterprise with per-client fees.
MaxiFi Planner
specializedEconomically optimized retirement planner that maximizes lifetime spending using dynamic programming models.
Proprietary lifetime optimization engine that dynamically sequences retirement decisions across decades for maximum financial outcomes
MaxiFi Planner is an advanced retirement planning software that delivers precise lifetime financial modeling for individuals and couples. It excels in optimizing Social Security claiming strategies, tax planning, healthcare costs, and investment sequences to maximize lifetime wealth. The tool uses sophisticated algorithms to simulate thousands of scenarios, accounting for longevity, market risks, and complex family dynamics like divorce or remarriage.
Pros
- Unmatched precision in Social Security and lifetime decision optimization
- Comprehensive modeling of taxes, healthcare, and longevity risks
- Detailed reporting and scenario comparison tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-experts
- Expensive for professional versions
- Primarily desktop-based with limited integrations
Best For
Financial advisors and high-net-worth retirees needing detailed, customized retirement optimization.
Pricing
Personal edition at $99/year; Planner Pro at $1,995/year with multi-user options.
MoneyGuidePro
enterpriseGoal-based financial planning software with robust retirement projections, risk assessment, and advisor-client collaboration.
Patented Planning Paths visualization that dynamically illustrates multiple retirement scenarios and success probabilities in an easy-to-understand graphical format
MoneyGuidePro is a professional-grade financial planning software platform designed primarily for financial advisors to develop comprehensive retirement and goal-based plans for clients. It excels in advanced modeling with Monte Carlo simulations, scenario analysis, and visual planning paths to project retirement outcomes and stress-test assumptions. The tool integrates seamlessly with CRMs, portfolio management systems, and custodians, enabling data-driven, holistic financial advice.
Pros
- Robust Monte Carlo simulations for retirement probability analysis
- Intuitive visual planning paths and goal-tracking dashboards
- Deep integrations with advisory tech stacks like CRM and portfolio tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High pricing limits accessibility for solo advisors
- Not designed for direct consumer use
Best For
Established financial advisors managing complex retirement plans for high-net-worth clients.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing for advisors, typically $2,000–$5,000+ annually per user depending on firm size and features.
eMoney Advisor
enterpriseHolistic financial planning platform offering retirement income strategies, asset allocation, and household cash flow analysis.
Household Pulse dashboard for unified, real-time visualization of family-wide retirement scenarios and cash flows
eMoney Advisor is a robust enterprise-level financial planning platform tailored for wealth management advisors, specializing in retirement planning through advanced cash flow modeling, Monte Carlo simulations, and goal-based projections. It enables advisors to create detailed retirement scenarios, optimize Social Security benefits, and visualize decumulation strategies for clients. The software emphasizes household-level planning, integrating data from multiple accounts to provide a holistic view of retirement readiness and long-term financial health.
Pros
- Sophisticated retirement tools including Monte Carlo analysis and Social Security optimization
- Seamless client portal for interactive plan sharing and collaboration
- Comprehensive household cash flow forecasting for accurate projections
Cons
- High enterprise pricing limits accessibility for smaller firms
- Steep learning curve due to feature depth and complexity
- Limited standalone use without advisor integration
Best For
Mid-to-large financial advisory firms needing advanced, client-engaged retirement planning capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription, typically $5,000–$15,000+ per advisor annually depending on firm size and modules.
Holistiplan
specializedTax-smart financial planning tool focused on Roth conversions, retirement withdrawal strategies, and tax-efficient planning.
One-page holistic financial plan that summarizes complex retirement scenarios into an actionable, client-friendly overview
Holistiplan is a robust financial planning software designed specifically for retirement planning, providing advisors with tools for Monte Carlo simulations, cash flow projections, tax optimization, and Social Security benefit analysis. It integrates seamlessly with CRMs and custodians to streamline data import and client onboarding. The platform emphasizes holistic retirement strategies, including Roth conversion ladders and withdrawal optimization, presented in clear visualizations and one-page reports.
Pros
- Advanced Monte Carlo simulations with customizable assumptions
- Integrated tax planning and Social Security optimization tools
- Strong integrations with custodians and CRMs for efficient workflows
Cons
- Pricing is on the higher end for smaller practices
- Steep initial learning curve for complex features
- Limited customization options in reporting templates
Best For
Financial advisors focused on comprehensive retirement planning for high-net-worth clients who value data-driven scenario analysis.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for basic plan, $199/user/month for Pro with advanced features; annual discounts available, enterprise custom.
OnTrajectory
specializedAffordable retirement and financial planning software with scenario modeling, goal tracking, and Monte Carlo simulations.
Interactive trajectory visualization that plots personalized financial futures across thousands of simulated scenarios
OnTrajectory is an interactive web-based financial planning tool focused on retirement and life goal planning, using Monte Carlo simulations to model thousands of potential financial trajectories. Users adjust variables like income, expenses, savings rates, and investment returns via intuitive sliders to visualize probabilistic outcomes on a dynamic graph. It emphasizes scenario planning for retirement security, college funding, and major life events, making complex projections accessible to non-experts.
Pros
- Highly intuitive visual interface with real-time trajectory graphing
- Robust Monte Carlo simulations for probabilistic forecasting
- Affordable pricing suitable for individual users
Cons
- Lacks advanced tax optimization and estate planning tools
- Limited integration with external accounts or data imports
- Primarily web-based with no dedicated mobile app
Best For
DIY retirees or pre-retirees seeking an engaging, visual way to explore retirement scenarios without advisor fees.
Pricing
Individual subscription at $15/month or $120/year; advisor versions available upon request.
Conclusion
The reviewed retirement planning software offers diverse strengths, from NewRetirement's comprehensive DIY modeling to Empower's free wealth management and ProjectionLab's interactive scenarios, ensuring there's a solution for various needs. Leading the field, NewRetirement stands out for its integration of Social Security, healthcare, and tax projections, creating personalized financial roadmaps. Empower and ProjectionLab, meanwhile, excel as strong alternatives—Empower for its free, holistic tracking and ProjectionLab for its customizable simulations.
Begin your retirement planning journey with NewRetirement, the top-ranked tool, and discover how its tailored insights can guide your financial decisions effectively.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison