Quick Overview
- 1#1: NewRetirement - Comprehensive online retirement planning tool that models scenarios, tracks net worth, and optimizes Social Security and withdrawals.
- 2#2: Empower - Free retirement tracker and planner that connects accounts for real-time net worth, investment analysis, and goal-based projections.
- 3#3: RightCapital - Advisor-focused retirement planning software with Monte Carlo simulations, tax optimization, and client portal for collaborative planning.
- 4#4: MaxiFi - Precision lifetime financial planner that optimizes consumption and maximizes utility across retirement scenarios using economic models.
- 5#5: ProjectionLab - Interactive retirement projection tool with customizable Monte Carlo analysis, scenario sliders, and visual cash flow modeling.
- 6#6: eMoney Advisor - Holistic financial planning platform for advisors featuring retirement goal tracking, cash flow forecasting, and household balance sheets.
- 7#7: OnTrajectory - Retirement simulator that forecasts financial futures with probability cones, goal setting, and stress testing for life events.
- 8#8: WealthTrace - Advanced Monte Carlo-based retirement planning software with dynamic market simulations and withdrawal strategy optimization.
- 9#9: Holistiplan - Tax-efficient retirement planning tool that identifies savings opportunities through Roth conversions and bracket management.
- 10#10: Flexible Retirement Planner - Free downloadable retirement calculator for projecting savings, expenses, and portfolio survival with inflation and market variability.
Tools were selected based on features like scenario modeling, real-time tracking, and tax optimization, along with usability and value, ensuring they meet diverse needs from basic projections to holistic financial planning.
Comparison Table
Retirement planning can be complex, and the right software simplifies the process—this comparison table explores top tools like NewRetirement, Empower, RightCapital, MaxiFi, ProjectionLab, and more. It highlights key differences in features, usability, and cost to help readers identify the best fit for their goals, from long-term growth to income projections. Whether you’re new to planning or refining existing strategies, this guide clarifies how each tool stacks up for your unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NewRetirement Comprehensive online retirement planning tool that models scenarios, tracks net worth, and optimizes Social Security and withdrawals. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | Empower Free retirement tracker and planner that connects accounts for real-time net worth, investment analysis, and goal-based projections. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | RightCapital Advisor-focused retirement planning software with Monte Carlo simulations, tax optimization, and client portal for collaborative planning. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | MaxiFi Precision lifetime financial planner that optimizes consumption and maximizes utility across retirement scenarios using economic models. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | ProjectionLab Interactive retirement projection tool with customizable Monte Carlo analysis, scenario sliders, and visual cash flow modeling. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | eMoney Advisor Holistic financial planning platform for advisors featuring retirement goal tracking, cash flow forecasting, and household balance sheets. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | OnTrajectory Retirement simulator that forecasts financial futures with probability cones, goal setting, and stress testing for life events. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | WealthTrace Advanced Monte Carlo-based retirement planning software with dynamic market simulations and withdrawal strategy optimization. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Holistiplan Tax-efficient retirement planning tool that identifies savings opportunities through Roth conversions and bracket management. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Flexible Retirement Planner Free downloadable retirement calculator for projecting savings, expenses, and portfolio survival with inflation and market variability. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
Comprehensive online retirement planning tool that models scenarios, tracks net worth, and optimizes Social Security and withdrawals.
Free retirement tracker and planner that connects accounts for real-time net worth, investment analysis, and goal-based projections.
Advisor-focused retirement planning software with Monte Carlo simulations, tax optimization, and client portal for collaborative planning.
Precision lifetime financial planner that optimizes consumption and maximizes utility across retirement scenarios using economic models.
Interactive retirement projection tool with customizable Monte Carlo analysis, scenario sliders, and visual cash flow modeling.
Holistic financial planning platform for advisors featuring retirement goal tracking, cash flow forecasting, and household balance sheets.
Retirement simulator that forecasts financial futures with probability cones, goal setting, and stress testing for life events.
Advanced Monte Carlo-based retirement planning software with dynamic market simulations and withdrawal strategy optimization.
Tax-efficient retirement planning tool that identifies savings opportunities through Roth conversions and bracket management.
Free downloadable retirement calculator for projecting savings, expenses, and portfolio survival with inflation and market variability.
NewRetirement
specializedComprehensive online retirement planning tool that models scenarios, tracks net worth, and optimizes Social Security and withdrawals.
Dynamic Monte Carlo simulations integrated across all planning elements for realistic probability-based retirement success forecasts
NewRetirement is a comprehensive web-based retirement planning platform that enables users to create detailed financial models incorporating net worth tracking, income sources like Social Security and pensions, spending patterns, investment portfolios, healthcare costs, taxes, and longevity risks. It offers powerful scenario testing, Monte Carlo simulations, and optimization tools such as Social Security claiming strategies and Roth conversion planning. Designed for DIY retirees, it provides actionable insights to build confidence in retirement readiness without needing a financial advisor.
Pros
- Exceptionally thorough feature set covering all major retirement factors including taxes, healthcare, and market volatility
- Intuitive dashboard with real-time updates and easy scenario comparisons
- Strong free tier provides significant value for basic planning needs
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- No dedicated mobile app, though mobile web works well
- Customer support primarily via email with limited live options
Best For
DIY retirees and pre-retirees aged 45-65 seeking holistic, customizable retirement projections with professional-grade simulations.
Pricing
Free basic planner; Premium $120/year (annual billing) for full features; Platinum $240/year for advanced optimizations and support.
Empower
specializedFree retirement tracker and planner that connects accounts for real-time net worth, investment analysis, and goal-based projections.
Retirement Fee Analyzer that identifies hidden fees across all accounts and quantifies their long-term impact on retirement savings
Empower (formerly Personal Capital) is a comprehensive wealth management platform specializing in retirement planning software, offering a free Retirement Planner tool that forecasts long-term savings growth, withdrawal sustainability, and retirement readiness based on linked financial accounts. Users can track net worth, analyze investment fees, and receive personalized projections across multiple retirement scenarios. For those seeking professional guidance, Empower pairs its software with robo-advisory and human advisor services tailored to retirement goals.
Pros
- Highly accurate Retirement Planner with Monte Carlo simulations for scenario testing
- Seamless integration with 14,000+ financial institutions for holistic portfolio views
- Free core tools including fee analyzer and net worth tracker without asset minimums
Cons
- Advisory services carry AUM fees that may not suit small portfolios
- Occasional upselling prompts during free tool usage
- Mobile app lags slightly behind web version in advanced customization
Best For
Pre-retirees and those with $100K+ in investable assets seeking data-driven retirement forecasts and optional professional management.
Pricing
Free planning tools; paid advisory at 0.89% AUM on first $1M (declines to 0.49% for balances over $10M).
RightCapital
enterpriseAdvisor-focused retirement planning software with Monte Carlo simulations, tax optimization, and client portal for collaborative planning.
Advanced decumulation engine that dynamically models sustainable withdrawal rates across multiple income sources
RightCapital is a cloud-based financial planning software tailored for financial advisors, specializing in retirement planning with tools for cash flow analysis, Monte Carlo simulations, and decumulation strategies. It enables users to model complex retirement scenarios, optimize Social Security benefits, and generate interactive client presentations. The platform integrates with popular CRMs and custodians, making it efficient for advisor workflows focused on retirement transitions.
Pros
- Intuitive visualizations and client-ready reports that enhance engagement
- Powerful retirement-specific tools like Social Security optimizer and Roth conversion analysis
- Seamless mobile access and strong integrations with advisory tech stacks
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may strain smaller practices
- Limited depth in non-retirement areas like estate planning
- Occasional performance lags with large datasets
Best For
Financial advisors managing high-net-worth clients focused on comprehensive retirement income strategies.
Pricing
Starts at $150 per advisor per month (billed annually), with tiered plans up to $250+ for advanced features and unlimited clients.
MaxiFi
specializedPrecision lifetime financial planner that optimizes consumption and maximizes utility across retirement scenarios using economic models.
Patented lifetime utility maximization algorithm that optimizes spending across all retirement variables
MaxiFi is an advanced retirement planning software that uses patented optimization algorithms to maximize lifetime spending power by dynamically adjusting withdrawals, taxes, Social Security timing, and investments. It provides detailed projections incorporating healthcare costs, longevity risk, and market volatility for precise scenario analysis. Ideal for financial professionals, it simulates thousands of strategies to identify the optimal retirement path.
Pros
- Powerful optimization engine for maximizing sustainable spending
- Comprehensive modeling of taxes, Social Security, and healthcare
- Robust scenario testing and Monte Carlo simulations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-experts
- High subscription cost limits accessibility for individuals
- Interface feels dated compared to modern fintech tools
Best For
Financial advisors and high-net-worth clients needing sophisticated, math-driven retirement optimization.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for individual access; annual plans around $1,000+ with advisor tiers up to $2,500/year.
ProjectionLab
specializedInteractive retirement projection tool with customizable Monte Carlo analysis, scenario sliders, and visual cash flow modeling.
Customizable Monte Carlo simulations that incorporate thousands of market scenarios with user-defined variables for taxes, spending, and longevity
ProjectionLab is a web-based retirement planning tool that uses advanced Monte Carlo simulations to model probabilistic financial outcomes for retirement scenarios. It allows users to input detailed data on investments, income streams like Social Security and pensions, expenses, taxes, and healthcare costs to generate realistic projections. The software provides visualizations of success probabilities, cash flows, and sensitivity analyses to help users stress-test their plans against uncertainties like market volatility and longevity.
Pros
- Powerful Monte Carlo simulations for handling uncertainty
- Comprehensive modeling of taxes, Social Security, and healthcare
- Intuitive visualizations and scenario comparison tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to complexity
- No native mobile app, web-only access
- Limited integrations with external financial accounts
Best For
Serious DIY retirement planners or financial advisors seeking detailed probabilistic projections.
Pricing
14-day free trial; subscriptions start at $12/month (billed annually at $144/year) for Basic, up to $29/month for Pro plan.
eMoney Advisor
enterpriseHolistic financial planning platform for advisors featuring retirement goal tracking, cash flow forecasting, and household balance sheets.
Decision Center for real-time, interactive scenario analysis and retirement strategy optimization
eMoney Advisor is a comprehensive financial planning platform designed for wealth advisors, with robust retirement planning tools including cash flow projections, Monte Carlo simulations, and Social Security optimization. It integrates account data for holistic retirement scenarios and offers interactive client portals for goal tracking and engagement. The software emphasizes advisor-client collaboration through visualizations and dynamic modeling.
Pros
- Powerful Monte Carlo simulations and retirement income forecasting
- Seamless integration with client accounts and CRM systems
- Engaging client portal with interactive retirement planning tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High cost suitable only for larger firms
- Complex interface can overwhelm solo advisors
Best For
Financial advisors at mid-to-large firms managing high-net-worth clients needing integrated retirement and wealth planning.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $5,000-$15,000 per advisor annually depending on firm size and features.
OnTrajectory
specializedRetirement simulator that forecasts financial futures with probability cones, goal setting, and stress testing for life events.
Interactive trajectory graphs that plot thousands of simulated futures on a single visual timeline
OnTrajectory is a retirement planning software that uses interactive trajectory graphs and Monte Carlo simulations to visualize users' financial futures over time. It allows modeling of various scenarios including spending changes, market volatility, Social Security, and life events to assess retirement readiness. The tool supports multiple accounts, goals, and what-if analyses for personalized planning.
Pros
- Highly intuitive visual trajectory graphs for easy scenario visualization
- Robust Monte Carlo simulations for probabilistic outcomes
- Affordable pricing with mobile app support
Cons
- Limited advanced tax and estate planning tools
- Fewer integrations with external financial accounts
- Reporting features are basic compared to enterprise tools
Best For
DIY retirees and pre-retirees who want an accessible, visual tool for testing retirement scenarios without complex spreadsheets.
Pricing
Free limited version; Premium at $14.95/month or $99/year; 14-day free trial.
WealthTrace
specializedAdvanced Monte Carlo-based retirement planning software with dynamic market simulations and withdrawal strategy optimization.
Proprietary Monte Carlo engine running over 10,000 scenarios to deliver precise retirement success probabilities
WealthTrace is a professional-grade retirement planning software designed for financial advisors, offering advanced Monte Carlo simulations, cash flow projections, and stress testing for retirement scenarios. It excels in modeling complex factors like taxes, Social Security optimization, market volatility, and longevity risks to provide probabilistic success rates. The tool generates detailed reports and what-if analyses to help clients visualize retirement outcomes.
Pros
- Robust Monte Carlo simulations with 10,000+ scenarios for accurate risk assessment
- Comprehensive tax and Social Security optimization tools
- Extensive scenario testing and customizable reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-experts
- Higher pricing geared toward advisors rather than individuals
- Interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Financial advisors managing retirement plans for high-net-worth clients who require in-depth probabilistic modeling.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $99/month per advisor (billed annually), with enterprise custom pricing for teams.
Holistiplan
enterpriseTax-efficient retirement planning tool that identifies savings opportunities through Roth conversions and bracket management.
Dynamic tax bracket optimizer that simulates multi-year Roth conversion ladders to minimize lifetime taxes
Holistiplan is a specialized retirement planning software platform designed for financial advisors, focusing on holistic decumulation strategies, tax optimization, and probabilistic forecasting. It enables users to model complex scenarios including Roth conversions, Social Security timing, and sustainable withdrawal rates using Monte Carlo simulations. The tool integrates with major custodians and CRMs, providing advisors with client-ready illustrations and reports to demonstrate retirement income sustainability.
Pros
- Advanced tax-efficient withdrawal optimization and Roth conversion planning
- Robust Monte Carlo simulations with customizable assumptions
- Strong integrations with custodians like Schwab, Fidelity, and popular CRMs
Cons
- Primarily focused on retirement decumulation, less robust for accumulation planning
- Steeper learning curve for non-expert users on advanced tax modeling
- No native client-facing mobile app or portal
Best For
Financial advisors specializing in retirement income planning for clients aged 50+ who need sophisticated tax and longevity risk modeling.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $125 per advisor per month, with enterprise tiers scaling by AUM and users (custom quotes available).
Flexible Retirement Planner
specializedFree downloadable retirement calculator for projecting savings, expenses, and portfolio survival with inflation and market variability.
Dynamic 'what-if' scenario builder that supports unlimited variable tweaks with instant recalculations
Flexible Retirement Planner is a web-based tool that enables users to create customizable retirement projections by inputting variables like savings rates, investment returns, inflation, and spending patterns. It offers scenario modeling, Monte Carlo simulations for risk analysis, and goal-based planning to visualize retirement timelines and shortfalls. The software emphasizes flexibility, allowing real-time adjustments to test multiple 'what-if' scenarios without rigid templates.
Pros
- Highly customizable scenario modeling for diverse retirement paths
- Monte Carlo simulations provide robust risk assessment
- Intuitive sliders and visualizations for quick adjustments
Cons
- Interface feels dated and lacks mobile optimization
- Limited integration with external accounts or tax software
- Advanced features locked behind premium paywall
Best For
DIY retirees who want flexible, scenario-based planning without needing advisor-level complexity.
Pricing
Free basic version; Premium at $9/month or $79/year for unlimited scenarios and advanced simulations.
Conclusion
The top retirement software offers robust tools to navigate financial planning, with NewRetirement leading for its comprehensive scenario modeling and goal optimization. Empower stands out as a free, user-friendly option, while RightCapital excels with its advisor-focused collaboration features. All three top performers cater to distinct needs, ensuring users can find a solution that aligns with their financial goals.
Begin planning your retirement with NewRetirement, the top-ranked choice, or explore Empower or RightCapital for alternatives that suit your unique priorities—take the first step toward a secure future today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison