Frequently asked questions
Common questions about RetireWise: how the simulation works, what assumptions it makes, and how to read the results.
Is RetireWise really free?
Yes. There is no signup, no paywall, no upsell. The full simulation runs in your browser session and clears when you close the tab. We don't collect or store your information.
Do you save my information?
No personal data is stored. Simulations run in-memory and clear when your browser session ends. You can optionally export your simulation as a JSON file you keep on your own device.
How accurate is a retirement Monte Carlo simulation?
A Monte Carlo simulation runs 10,000 versions of your retirement using your inputs against historically-plausible market behavior. It's far more honest than a single-projection calculator because it shows the full range of outcomes, including bad-luck scenarios. That said, it's still a model. Real markets, taxes, and life events will differ. Treat the success rate as a directional guide, not a guarantee.
Should I trust this instead of a financial advisor?
RetireWise is a planning tool, not a substitute for personalized advice. A good advisor accounts for taxes, estate planning, healthcare, and behavior in ways a calculator cannot. Use this to pressure-test ideas before an advisor conversation, or alongside one.
What return assumptions does the simulator use?
Defaults are 7% mean annual return with 15% standard deviation, which roughly matches the long-run behavior of a US equity-heavy portfolio. Inflation defaults to 3%. You can override any of these on the last wizard step.
Does it account for Social Security?
Yes. You enter your expected annual benefit and claim age (62-70). The simulator inflates the benefit annually and reports lifetime totals across multiple claim ages so you can compare claiming strategies.
Does it account for healthcare before Medicare?
Yes. Retiring before 65 means a healthcare bridge to Medicare. The simulator models a separate pre-Medicare healthcare cost (default $18,000/year) that switches to a lower post-Medicare cost at 65.
What's the Rule of 55, and does this simulator handle it?
The Rule of 55 lets you withdraw from your current employer's 401(k) penalty-free if you separate from service in the year you turn 55 or later. The simulator handles it: tick the box on the wizard if you qualify, and early withdrawals will skip the 10% penalty.
How is this different from the "4% rule"?
The 4% rule is a single-shot rule of thumb: withdraw 4% in year one, then inflation-adjust. It tells you nothing about the range of outcomes or how a bad first-decade market hurts you. A Monte Carlo simulation runs 10,000 sequences and reports the percentage that succeed, plus the year-by-year balance distribution.
Can I share or save my results?
Yes. Every simulation produces a shareable URL that encodes your inputs (no server state). You can also export the simulation as a JSON file you keep locally, and re-import it later.