1. Profiles & Accounts Tab
This is where you enter all the core information about yourself and your spouse (if applicable). Start by filling out your current age, income, and existing balances in different retirement accounts (Roth, Traditional, After tax brokerage, HYS). Below that, enter how much you contribute annually to each account.
2. Assumptions Tab
This tab controls the underlying assumptions for the entire projection. You can set the expected inflation rate, how much you expect your income to grow each year, and the investment return rates for your accounts both before and during retirement. Be realistic here—historical returns don't guarantee future results!
3. One-Time Events
In the Assumptions tab, you can model one-time income events like a lump sum or inheritance, and one-time expenses like a major purchase. For inheritances, enter the amounts for each type (Inherited Cash, Inherited Brokerage, Trad IRA, Roth IRA, Crypto) and the age you expect to receive them. 'Inherited Cash' will be added to your main brokerage account, while the others are held separately.
4. Expenses Tab
Estimate what your monthly expenses will be *in retirement*. The values are in today's dollars. If you check the "Inflate expenses until retirement?" box, the calculator will automatically increase this total based on the inflation rate you set in the Assumptions tab.
5. Viewing the Projections
As you change the numbers on the left, the charts and tables on the right update in real-time. The top chart shows your savings growth over time, including separate categories for inherited accounts. The bottom section simulates your withdrawals, income, and taxes throughout retirement, also showing the depletion of inherited accounts according to the 10-year rule.
6. Monte Carlo Simulation
Once you're happy with your plan, click the "Run Monte Carlo Simulation" button. This will open a new tab and run your plan against 10,000 different historical market scenarios to test its strength and give you a "Success Rate," helping you understand the probability of your plan succeeding.