DIY retirement spreadsheet vs Pension Pilot
A DIY retirement spreadsheet gives you flexibility over the model, while Pension Pilot provides guided inputs and a plain-English educational report. Both depend on the data and assumptions used. Compare the work needed to maintain rules, explain results and check your household’s circumstances.
Side by side
DIY spreadsheet or free calculator
A spreadsheet can be flexible and transparent, including detailed assumptions and explanations if you build them in. You are responsible for the formulas, rule sources, dates and maintenance. Check the treatment of the income and assets tests, deeming, household status and retirement timing.
Pension Pilot free report
A guided flow organises household inputs and produces a plain-English educational PDF with estimates, assumptions and questions to check. Review the report limitations and the date of the rules used. Neither a guided tool nor a spreadsheet guarantees a correct outcome.
What to check in a DIY retirement spreadsheet
Keep income and assets tests, deeming, household status, super access and retirement dates explicit. Record the source and date of rules, and check formulas when assumptions change. A well-built spreadsheet can be detailed and transparent; a guided tool can help organise inputs. Neither format guarantees a correct outcome or replaces personal advice.
Start with the retirement expenses checklist and Age Pension means-test guide when reviewing your inputs.
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