Question 1

What is RetireNumber?

Accepted Answer

RetireNumber is a focused verification tool. If you already have a retirement number in mind (your target portfolio value), we help you verify if you're on track, when you can retire and what changes would make the biggest difference.

Question 2

Do I need to create an account?

Accepted Answer

No! You can use Quick Verify without signing up. Create an account only if you want to save your plans and sync across devices.

Question 3

What's the difference between RetireNumber and other retirement calculators?

Accepted Answer

Most calculators try to tell you what your number should be. RetireNumber assumes you already have a number and focuses on verification: are you on track, when can you retire and what moves the needle most.

Question 4

Where does your historical data come from?

Accepted Answer

Our historical market data comes primarily from Robert Shiller's dataset (Yale University), which is the gold standard for long-term financial research. This includes S&P 500 returns, dividends, earnings, CPI inflation and 10-year Treasury rates. Backtesting lets you choose any range from 1871 through the latest year (default 1928-present). For 1871-1927, bond returns are approximated from the 10-year rate. CAPE ratio calculations use the full Shiller dataset back to 1871. For housing data, we use the Case-Shiller index.

Question 5

How often is the data updated?

Accepted Answer

Shiller typically updates his dataset monthly. We update our embedded data annually, usually in Q2 of each year once the previous year's data is finalized. The current dataset includes data through 2025 (complete years only; we do not use partial years).

Question 6

Why might your numbers differ from other calculators?

Accepted Answer

Different calculators use different data sources, time periods and calculation methods. We use total returns (including dividends), inflation-adjusted "real" returns by default and the complete historical record. Some calculators use price-only returns, different inflation assumptions or shorter time periods. Our methodology page explains our approach in detail.

Question 7

What is the CAPE ratio and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

CAPE (Cyclically Adjusted Price-to-Earnings) is a valuation metric that compares stock prices to 10-year average earnings, adjusted for inflation. High CAPE values historically correlate with lower future returns. At CAPE 33+ (current level), expected 10-year real returns are around 2%, compared to 9%+ when CAPE is below 15. We show current market conditions on your dashboard.

Question 8

What are "real" vs "nominal" returns?

Accepted Answer

Nominal returns are the raw percentage gain. Real returns subtract inflation, showing your actual purchasing power growth. We default to "today's dollars" (real) because it's more meaningful for planning, $1M in 30 years won't buy what $1M buys today.

Question 9

How does the projection work?

Accepted Answer

We run a month-by-month simulation of your portfolio growth, applying your contribution rate and the assumed return (adjusted for inflation and fees). The projection continues until your assets reach your target number.

Question 10

What does "Today's dollars" vs "Future dollars" mean?

Accepted Answer

Today's dollars (default) adjusts for inflation, showing results in purchasing power you understand today. Future dollars shows the nominal value without inflation adjustment. Most people prefer today's dollars.

Question 11

What's the Safe Withdrawal Rate (SWR)?

Accepted Answer

The SWR is the percentage of your portfolio you can withdraw annually in retirement with a high probability of not running out of money. The default 4% comes from the Trinity Study. We use it to show your "implied annual spending" in retirement.

Question 12

What assumptions do you use?

Accepted Answer

Defaults: 6.5% nominal return, 3% inflation, 0.25% fees, 4% SWR. All assumptions are visible and adjustable. In today's dollars mode, the real return is approximately (1 + 6.5% - 0.25%) / (1 + 3%) - 1 ≈ 3.15%.

Question 13

What is Monte Carlo simulation?

Accepted Answer

Monte Carlo runs 1,000 simulations with randomized returns based on historical volatility. This gives you a probability range rather than a single projection, showing best-case, worst-case and median outcomes.

Question 14

What are "Top Moves"?

Accepted Answer

Top Moves shows which changes would have the biggest impact on your timeline. For example, we calculate how many months you'd save by increasing your contribution by $100, $250 or $500/month or by reducing your fees.

Question 15

What's the difference between plans and scenarios?

Accepted Answer

A plan is a container for related scenarios. Scenarios are variations you want to compare: like "baseline", "aggressive savings" or "early retirement at 55". Free users get 1 plan with 2 scenarios; Pro users get unlimited.

Question 16

Can I export my data?

Accepted Answer

Pro users can export PDF reports (great for printing or sharing with an advisor) and CSV files (for your own analysis).

Question 17

How do I upgrade to Pro?

Accepted Answer

Go to Account > Billing, or click any Pro feature in the app. You'll be taken to a secure Stripe checkout. We accept all major credit cards.

Question 18

Can I switch between monthly and annual billing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Go to Account > Billing to manage your subscription. If you switch from monthly to annual, you'll receive credit for the remaining time on your monthly plan.

Question 19

What's your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you're not happy with Pro, just reach out to support. We review refunds individually and are happy to honor good-faith requests.

Question 20

Is my payment information secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All payments are processed by Stripe, a PCI-compliant payment processor. We never see or store your credit card details.

Question 21

Do you sell my data?

Accepted Answer

No. We will never sell your personal or financial data. Your information is used only to provide the service.

Question 22

Where is my data stored?

Accepted Answer

Your data is stored securely in Supabase (built on AWS). All data is encrypted at rest and in transit.

Question 23

Can I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Go to Account > Settings and click "Delete account". This permanently removes all your data.

Frequently asked questions

Getting Started

What is RetireNumber?

Do I need to create an account?

What's the difference between RetireNumber and other retirement calculators?

Data & Methodology

Calculations

Features

Account & Billing

Privacy & Security