MoneyHelper Retirement Budget Planner review
A free web planner for comparing expected retirement income with household outgoings.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
MoneyHelper Retirement Budget Planner is a free online budgeting tool from the Money and Pensions Service for people planning retirement in the UK. It compares entered income with outgoings and calculates whether money may remain after expenses. The planner accepts an intended retirement age, current income, spending, household bills and pension contributions. It is most suitable for people who want a straightforward view of retirement household finances, rather than a broader retirement-planning product.
Its core value is the spending comparison: the tool provides a breakdown of outgoings that can help users identify potential cost reductions. The ability to add another person makes it relevant to household budgeting, while the option to save information and return later supports planning over more than one visit. These features keep the tool centered on practical budgeting inputs and their relationship to retirement income, rather than a wider set of planning needs.
The planner is free and web-based, so there is no paid tier to weigh against its budgeting functions. Its narrow focus is also its main limitation: people looking for more comprehensive retirement planning should consider a product with a wider scope. Choose MoneyHelper when a simple comparison of expected retirement income and household costs is the priority; look elsewhere if you need planning beyond that comparison.
MoneyHelper Retirement Budget Planner pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Compares retirement income with outgoings and possible money left over
- Breaks down spending to help identify potential cost reductions
- Can include another person and save information to return later
- Where it doesn't
- Focused on budgeting rather than full retirement planning
- Results depend on the income and spending details entered
- Available on web, with no other platform listed
MoneyHelper Retirement Budget Planner fact sheet, pricing and score →
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