I am curious as to what methods or computer software the members are using to evaluate their early retirement planning.
For me personally, I have primarily relied on Quicken Financial Planner (version which came with Q99 Deluxe Edition), and the Financial Engines web site. These two systems seem to be relatively complete in their ability to incorporate such things as pensions, Social Security benefits, taxable and tax-deferred assets.
I particularly like the way QFP can show you computed expenses, income, and account balances for each year of the model. Probably the biggest drawback is its use of "average annual values" for returns and inflation. Nonetheless, I find this program a great aid in helping me see where I might find myself in 10, 25, 40, or 50 years from now.
So what methods do you all use in your early retirement studies?
Red
For me personally, I have primarily relied on Quicken Financial Planner (version which came with Q99 Deluxe Edition), and the Financial Engines web site. These two systems seem to be relatively complete in their ability to incorporate such things as pensions, Social Security benefits, taxable and tax-deferred assets.
I particularly like the way QFP can show you computed expenses, income, and account balances for each year of the model. Probably the biggest drawback is its use of "average annual values" for returns and inflation. Nonetheless, I find this program a great aid in helping me see where I might find myself in 10, 25, 40, or 50 years from now.
So what methods do you all use in your early retirement studies?
Red