A forecast is only as good as its inputs. Three steps set them: the returns you assume, the money coming in, and the money going out.
Assumptions
The Assumptions step holds an expected Return and Volatility for each asset class — Equity / Stocks, Mutual Funds, Fixed Deposits / Debt, PPF / EPF / NPS, Gold, Real Estate and more — plus Inflation. The defaults are reasonable; adjust any if you have a view.
Assumptions
The expected return and volatility for each asset class. Defaults are reasonable — adjust if you have a view.
Each asset class grows at its own rate; volatility drives the market-range band on the chart.
Income
On the Income step, click Add income for each source — Salary, Rental Income, Business Income, Pension Income and others. Set the Starting amount, Frequency, a Time range (when it starts and ends) and an Annual growth %. Salary and business income can carry tax details for an accurate bill.
A salary with a time range and yearly growth — it stops at retirement unless you say otherwise.
Expenses
The Expenses step works the same way: Add expense for things like Living Expenses, Rent, School Fees, Health Care or an Insurance Premium, each with its own Amount, Time range and how it changes over time.
Note: A Time range lets a cost apply only when it's real — school fees for the years a child is in school, rent until you buy a home — so the forecast isn't flat across your whole life.