RetirePlan 4+

After using this app and loving it for several years, the visual layout and functionality was totally redesigned last year. At that time, the app took 10 steps backward, IMO, and I gave it a one star review and began looking for another retirement app. >>> UPDATE: I also sent an email to the developer stating my complaint. To his credit, he responded quickly and communicated the reasoning behind the update AND addressed some of the issues that I had. The most recent update is a much improved version, I am updating my review to four stars. I still like the previous version (prior to the redesign) better, but for now, this is a very good app.

Read some of the reviews and felt compelled to add my own. Firstly, you should ignore most of the reviews that are years old, as they include complaints that have long since been addressed. More recent complaints seem to be the app lacking the ability to address RMD’s or different retirement dates for spouses. This appears to be true, however, I would counter that this is well beyond the intended scope of this app. This is a great tool for simple “what if’s?” to assess the feasibility of various saving or spending scenarios. Simply put, it can get you in the ballpark. Expecting a $5 iPad app to calculate a comprehensive retirement plan is simply unreasonable - the real world is far too complex. If you want to have some fun and noodle around with savings levels, retirement dates and the like, have at it, you won’t be disappointed. I have been using it for years in this way. Poke around the drop down list when you select “+” and you be able to concoct some workarounds to help with your specific situation. ****Jan 2024 Update**** Late 2023 provided a clunky update that moved all input to tiles along the bottom of the screen. Another update in Jan 2024 has already addressed this, moving the inputs back to the left side of the screen where they started. Note that at some point (not sure when), RMD’s were added, but it is still not possible to designate different retirement dates for spouses. Still the best five bucks I ever spent.

I was really happy to see the latest update. I am always worried that Apple might make some iOS change that breaks something and I really don't want to use anything else.

My only request is if you might be able to either come up with some sort of web based application or native Mac OS app to run on my Macbook? I know I can run the iPad app on MacOS now but it still has sizing issues and artifacts. I would love a web app to be able to have the same functionality from the iPad app in the browser. I know this is not a minor undertaking and would require some sort of subscription to pay for the hosting and data storage.

Anyway, thanks again for your great application!