Where do I view and change the default annual return assumptions used in the program?

To view and edit the default annual returns used log in, select your username at the top right and then select 'Account'. Go to the section 'Asset Class Assumptions'. You can edit the annual returns used in the program by asset class here. You can also add a new asset class and assign it to investments or [...]

In the Cash Flow Distributions section the beginning investment balance next year does not equal the ending investment balance this year. Why not?

This is due to placing everything in today’s dollars. In order for all numbers in each year to add up, the beginning balance is also reduced by the inflation rate in that year. That is why the beginning balance does not equal the previous ending balance. It’s basically a quirk of math when placing everything in today’s dollar terms by stripping out inflation. If you turn off using ‘today’s [...]

Does the program estimate state income taxes?

Yes, the program will accurately calculate your state income tax rates based on the state you live in or will move to in the future. You can find state tax settings under Plan Inputs & Assumptions>Plan Settings>Taxes. [...]

When does the program update new tax brackets and tax laws?

The program is updated at the end of every year with new federal tax brackets. If there is a major change in federal tax rules at any time during the year, we will update those changes as soon as possible when they go into [...]

Why do my cash inflows and expenses start in the second year of the plan when I am 60 today? I will be 62 in two years, and I set the Start Age to age 62. I would think these cash flows would start in the third year of the plan.

It is very important to understand the assumptions the program is using for cash inflows and expenses. The following logic applies to any input that uses the Start Age to determine when an inflow or outflow occurs. Let's say you have entered a Start Age for an Additional Cash Inflow of 62. The Primary User is 60 today (which is 10/7/2021) and turns 62 on 6/10/2023. In planning year 1 the user is [...]