Monte Carlo Projections
Run 100-1,000 simulations with Gaussian-distributed returns to see your probability of success, percentile bands, and worst-case scenarios.
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Free Alternative
A Free ProjectionLab Alternative for FIRE Planning
Looking for ProjectionLab but don't want to pay for a subscription? My Projection Calculator offers Monte Carlo simulations, FIRE calculators, and net worth projections — completely free, no account required.
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My Projection Calculator vs ProjectionLab
Both tools help you plan for retirement and financial independence. Here's an honest breakdown of what each offers — so you can choose the right fit.
Important: My Projection Calculator is not a full replacement for ProjectionLab. ProjectionLab is a comprehensive paid financial planner with tax estimation, Roth conversions, and historical backtesting. We offer a focused, free subset of features for users who want quick projections without the full planning suite.
| Feature | My Projection Calculator | ProjectionLab |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free forever | Paid subscription |
| Account required | No signup needed | Account required |
| Monte Carlo simulation | Yes (Gaussian/parametric) | Yes |
| Historical backtesting | No | Yes |
| Net worth projections | Yes | Yes |
| FIRE / SWR calculator | Yes | Yes |
| Coast FIRE calculator | Yes | Yes |
| Tax-aware projections | No | Yes |
| Roth conversion modeling | No | Yes |
| Social Security optimization | No | Yes |
| Sequence of returns testing | Yes | Yes |
| What-if scenarios | Yes | Yes |
| Export to CSV/Excel | Yes | Yes |
| Shareable links | Yes | Limited |
| Data privacy | Browser-only by default | Cloud-stored |
Choosing the Right Tool
Who should use which?
The best tool depends on your planning needs. Here's who each is designed for.
Use My Projection Calculator if you...
- Want a free, no-signup tool to run quick projections
- Need Monte Carlo simulations without historical replay
- Are exploring FIRE numbers and safe withdrawal rates
- Want to project net worth growth over time
- Prefer data to stay in your browser (privacy-first)
- Don't need tax optimization or Roth conversion planning
- Are getting started with financial projections
Use ProjectionLab if you...
- Need tax-aware projections and Roth conversion modeling
- Want historical backtesting with real market data
- Are planning Social Security claiming strategies
- Need a comprehensive retirement planning suite
- Want professional-grade financial planning features
- Are willing to pay for a subscription
- Have complex tax situations to optimize
Free features in My Projection Calculator
Everything below is included free, with no account required.
FIRE & SWR Calculator
Calculate your financial independence number using safe withdrawal rate analysis. Test the 4% rule or any custom withdrawal rate.
Learn MoreCoast FIRE Calculator
Find out if you've already saved enough to coast to retirement without additional contributions. See when compound growth takes over.
Learn MoreNet Worth Timeline
Project your wealth over 1-60 years with interactive charts. Track stocks, bonds, real estate, crypto, and debt — all in one view.
Learn MoreSequence of Returns
Test how a market crash in year 1, 5, or 10 would affect your retirement. See the impact of timing risk on your portfolio longevity.
Learn MoreWhat-If Scenarios
Real-time sliders for market performance and monthly savings. Lock a baseline and compare different scenarios side by side.
How our Monte Carlo differs
Understanding the difference between parametric and historical simulation approaches.
Parametric Monte Carlo
My Projection Calculator generates random returns using a Gaussian distribution centered on your expected return. Each simulation path is statistically generated, not pulled from historical data. This models market volatility without assuming future markets will mirror the past.
Historical Backtesting
Tools like FIRECalc and ProjectionLab can replay actual historical market sequences (e.g., "What if you retired in 1929?"). This captures real correlations and fat-tail events but assumes future returns will resemble past decades — which isn't guaranteed.
Neither Is "Better"
Parametric Monte Carlo gives you flexibility to test any expected return. Historical backtesting captures real-world patterns. Most financial planners use both. We offer the parametric approach for free — no signup required.
FAQ
Common questions
No. My Projection Calculator is a free, privacy-first tool for Monte Carlo simulations, FIRE planning, and net worth projections. It does not include tax estimation, Roth conversion modeling, or historical backtesting that ProjectionLab offers. It's a focused subset of features for users who don't need the full planning suite.
No. My Projection Calculator uses parametric Monte Carlo simulation with Gaussian distribution around user-entered expected returns. It does not replay actual historical market sequences like FIRECalc or ProjectionLab's historical backtesting feature.
Yes. My Projection Calculator is 100% free with no account required. Your data stays in your browser. There is optional cloud sync if you choose to sign in, but the core calculator is completely free forever.
If you want quick Monte Carlo simulations, FIRE number calculations, or net worth projections without creating an account or paying a subscription — and you don't need tax optimization or historical backtesting — My Projection Calculator gives you those features instantly. It's ideal for getting started with financial projections before committing to a paid tool.
ProjectionLab is a better choice if you need tax-aware projections, Roth conversion analysis, Social Security optimization, historical sequence backtesting, or a comprehensive financial planning suite. It's designed for detailed retirement planning where tax strategy matters significantly.
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