Our approach
Why these tools exist
Most financial tools are either too complicated, locked behind a paywall, or trying to sell you something. These tools are different. They're built on simple, proven frameworks that cut through the noise and help you answer real questions about your money.
The philosophy is straightforward: if you know your monthly number and you know your timeline, you can make better decisions about everything — career moves, spending habits, saving strategies, all of it. These tools give you that clarity.
Simple math wins
We use the 4% safe withdrawal rate — one of the most studied rules in personal finance. No fancy algorithms, no black boxes. Just math you can verify yourself.
Real dollars, real terms
Every number is shown in today's dollars, adjusted for inflation. No misleading future-value projections that look impressive but mean nothing to your daily life.
No gatekeeping
No email required. No account to create. No paywall. These tools are free because information about your own financial future shouldn't cost you anything.
Designed for action
Every tool gives you a clear output you can act on. A monthly number. A year. A target. Something concrete, not a vague "you should save more."
The tools
Start with your budget. Then find your freedom.
These tools are designed to work together. Start with the Budget Dashboard to find your monthly number, then plug it into the Retirement Dashboard to see your timeline.
Budget Dashboard
How much do I need monthly to live?
Before you can plan for the future, you need to know what your life actually costs right now. This tool walks you through every major expense category — housing, groceries, transportation, insurance, subscriptions, everything — and gives you one clear number: your monthly cost of living.
How to use it
Adjust the sliders to match your actual monthly spending. Be honest — nobody sees this but you. The tool will show you a breakdown of where your money goes and calculate your total monthly number. When you're done, one click sends that number straight to the Retirement Dashboard.
Retirement Dashboard
When can I retire?
Once you know your monthly number, this tool answers the big question: how many years until your portfolio can sustain that income forever? It uses the 4% safe withdrawal rate to calculate your target nest egg, then projects your portfolio growth based on your current savings, contributions, and expected returns — all in today's dollars.
How to use it
Enter your monthly income goal (or let the Budget Dashboard fill it in for you). Then adjust the sliders for your current portfolio, monthly contributions, and expected return rate. The chart will show your projected timeline to financial independence — the year you can stop working.