MoneyHelper Retirement Budget Planner vs ProjectionLab

MoneyHelper Retirement Budget Planner is a free web tool for estimating likely retirement costs and the income a person may need. Its Budget planner totals income and outgoings, shows what remains, and breaks spending into categories to help identify potential savings or cost cuts. Users can enter costs by year, and the tool converts those figures into a monthly average. MoneyHelper suggests having payslips, bank statements, bills, or a banking app available when working out income and spending. Budgeting help is available through webchat, with links to budgeting guides. The planner is provided by MoneyHelper, owned and maintained by the Money and Pensions Service, whose registered office is in Bedford, England. The service describes its website tools as general information rather than advice to rely on. It also says it is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and does not provide a regulated service. Its accessibility statement identifies menu buttons that are not programmatically expandable and incorrectly structured tab panels.

ProjectionLab simulates personal financial and retirement scenarios to help users plan for different possible futures. Users can model life milestones, cash flow, estimated taxes, investment strategies, account types, withdrawals and estate outcomes. Monte Carlo simulations and historical backtesting let users explore potential outcomes. The free Basic plan includes forecasting, financial planning, simulations and backtesting. Premium adds tax optimization, Roth conversions, ACA subsidies, capital gains harvesting, international planning and advanced analytics, and costs $129 a year. Pro costs $549 a year and is aimed at financial advisors and coaches, with client management tools and 10 client seats. ProjectionLab does not directly link financial accounts, so users can make plans without supplying account numbers or connecting bank or brokerage accounts. The web app can be installed on mobile devices as a Progressive Web App; the maker says it has no formal mobile app. Support is available by email, Discord and bookable educational sessions.