MaxiFi vs Retireator

MaxiFi builds a lifetime financial plan and estimates sustainable annual spending using income, assets, taxes, Social Security and other inputs. You can revise the plan to compare choices such as changing jobs, buying a home or retiring early. It models federal, state, FICA and IRMAA taxes, Social Security benefits and Medicare Part B premiums. Paid optimizers cover Roth conversions, Social Security filing and retirement withdrawals. Living Standard Monte Carlo compares how investment strategies and spending behavior affect discretionary spending; the software also estimates life insurance needs using contingency plans. Annual reports can be exported as PDF or Excel files, and plans can be shared with an advisor who has a MaxiFi PRO subscription. MaxiFi is available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web and Windows. It offers a 14-day trial with limited features and comparison of three alternate scenarios. The Unlocked plan is listed at $149 a year. Support is through online tickets; phone support is not included.

Retireator is a free, open-source retirement simulator written in Microsoft Excel for short- and medium-term financial planning. Users can build and test drawdown strategies across years using different income sources. It projects income and savings growth, supports withdrawal planning and scenario analysis, and models Social Security benefits and federal and state income taxes. Social Security calculations include spousal and survivor benefits, early-retirement reductions, and delayed-retirement credits. Other modeled factors include wage and consumer price inflation, stocks and bonds, past and future market conditions, employment and passive income, defined benefit pensions, debt, and net worth. Portfolio features cover target date funds and 401(k), 403(b), and IRA accounts. Housing tools include mortgage payment and amortization calculations, reverse mortgages, and scheduled one-time expenses. The listed annuity types include immediate, deferred, fixed, variable, indexed, and joint and survivor options. Tax calculations also cover payroll, self-employment, and long-term capital gains. Retireator is available on the web and Windows; account synchronization is not included.