Methodology
What the retirement engine calculates—and what it cannot know.
Our projections use deterministic calculations, published rules, visible assumptions, and clear limitations.
One connected cash-flow projection
The engine models accumulation before retirement and withdrawals afterward. Traditional, Roth, and taxable accounts remain separate so taxes and withdrawal order can be modeled rather than ignored.
Today’s dollars
Long-term balances are translated into today’s purchasing power. This reduces the risk of making distant nominal dollar amounts look more valuable than they are.
Rules and assumptions
Federal tax brackets, Social Security mechanics, state tax estimates, ACA assumptions, Medicare, and required distributions are versioned by year. The report displays the important assumptions used.
Limitations
Projections cannot predict markets, inflation, lifespan, policy changes, local healthcare plans, long-term care, or personal emergencies. Results are scenarios, not guarantees.