Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about fidser. Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch.
Getting Started
What is fidser.?
fidser. is an advanced retirement forecasting engine designed for US households. It handles the complex math - from Social Security timing and tax-efficient withdrawals to inflation modeling and healthcare cost projections - so you can focus on the decisions that matter. The engine produces illustrative projections to help you explore possibilities before speaking with a certified financial planner.
Who is fidser. for?
fidser. is built for individuals and couples in the US who want sophisticated scenario modeling without the complexity. Whether you're 10 years from retirement or already there, it helps you explore "what-if" questions and develop a clearer picture of your situation before making decisions with a qualified professional.
How long does it take to get started?
Most people complete the initial setup in about 5 minutes. You'll enter estimates about your income, savings, debts, and expected expenses. The engine runs comprehensive calculations instantly, and you can refine your inputs anytime.
Do I need to connect my bank accounts?
No. fidser. never connects to your bank, brokerage, or any financial accounts. You enter your own estimates, which keeps your data secure and gives you full control over what information you share.
Features & Modeling
What's a "Base Case" scenario?
Your Base Case is your primary projection using your current assumptions - retirement age, spending levels, Social Security timing, and more. The engine calculates a comprehensive 50-year forecast that serves as the foundation for exploring alternative scenarios. All projections are illustrative and based on the assumptions you provide.
What are "what-if" scenarios?
What-if scenarios let you model different life paths. For example: "What if I retire at 60 instead of 65?" or "What if I receive a $50,000 inheritance?" Duplicate your Base Case, adjust one or two variables, and the engine instantly recalculates everything - letting you compare outcomes side-by-side. This is a Pro feature.
What is Monte Carlo simulation?
Monte Carlo simulation runs thousands of randomized market return sequences through your scenario, producing probability distributions rather than single-point estimates. Instead of assuming a fixed 7% return, you see the range of potential outcomes across bull and bear markets. These are statistical models for exploration, not predictions of actual results. This is a Pro feature.
How does fidser. model Social Security?
The engine incorporates Social Security timing optimization, spousal benefit calculations, and early/delayed claiming adjustments. You enter your expected benefit or let the system estimate based on income history. These are modeling estimates - for official benefit amounts, consult ssa.gov or a financial professional.
How does fidser. handle taxes?
The engine models federal income tax across all your income sources, accounting for filing status, tax brackets, and the interplay between traditional and Roth withdrawals. It illustrates how different withdrawal strategies may affect your tax burden over time. These are simplified models - consult a tax professional for actual tax planning.
What about healthcare cost modeling?
Healthcare costs are a critical variable, especially for early retirees without Medicare. The engine includes configurable healthcare cost projections that you can adjust based on your expected coverage and circumstances. Actual costs vary significantly by location, health status, and plan choices.
Pricing & Billing
Is fidser. really free?
Yes. The Free plan includes a complete base-case forecast with Social Security calculations, tax estimates, and a 50-year projection. There's no trial period - Free is free forever.
What does Pro add?
Pro ($9.95/month) adds up to 5 what-if scenarios, Monte Carlo simulations with success probability bands, and side-by-side scenario comparison. It's designed for people who want to stress-test their plan.
Can I cancel Pro anytime?
Yes. Cancel from your account settings at any time. You'll keep Pro access until the end of your current billing period, then your account reverts to Free. All your data stays intact.
Do you offer refunds?
If you're not satisfied with Pro within the first 7 days, contact us and we'll refund your payment - no questions asked.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards. Payments are processed securely through Stripe. We never see or store your full card number.
Security & Privacy
Is my data secure?
Yes. All data is encrypted in transit (TLS 1.3) and at rest (AES-256). We use industry-standard security practices and our infrastructure is hosted on secure, SOC 2 compliant platforms.
What personal information do you collect?
We only require an email address to create an account. The financial information you enter (income, savings, expenses) is used solely for your forecasts and is never shared or sold.
Do you sell my data?
No. We will never sell, rent, or share your personal or financial information with third parties for marketing purposes. Your data is yours.
Can I delete my account and data?
Yes. You can delete your account at any time from your account settings. This permanently removes all your data from our systems within 30 days.
Do you need my Social Security number?
No. We never ask for your Social Security number, bank login credentials, or other sensitive personal identifiers. You only enter estimates and projections.
Important Information
Is fidser. a financial advisor?
No. fidser. is not a registered investment advisor, broker, or financial planner. We are an advanced, affordable calculation tool only. We do not provide personalized financial advice, recommendations, or guidance. For decisions about your retirement, investments, or finances, please consult with a certified financial planner (CFP), registered investment advisor (RIA), or other qualified professional.
How accurate are the projections?
All projections are illustrative estimates based on the assumptions you enter and simplified models. They are not predictions or guarantees of future results. Actual outcomes will differ - sometimes significantly - due to market performance, tax law changes, inflation, healthcare costs, and countless other factors. Use fidser. as one input in your planning, not as a definitive answer.
Should I make financial decisions based on fidser.?
No. fidser. is designed to help you explore scenarios and understand concepts, not to make decisions. Before making any significant financial decisions - such as when to retire, how to invest, or when to claim Social Security - we strongly recommend consulting with a certified financial planner or other qualified professional who can review your complete situation.
Support
How do I get help with the tool?
For questions about how to use fidser., you can reach us through our contact form or by emailing hello@fidser.com. We typically respond within one business day. Please note we can only help with tool-related questions - we cannot provide financial advice.
I found a bug or have a feature request. Where do I send it?
We'd love to hear from you! Use our contact form or email us directly. We read every message and use feedback to improve fidser.
Still have questions?
We're here to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
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