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Income
Pension Lump Sum vs Lifetime Income Calculator
An eight-question decision wizard that maps your situation to one of seven recommendations — lump sum, lifetime income, or a comparison step — with the reasoning behind each.
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How to use
- Answer the prompts about longevity, plan health, fixed-cost coverage, and legacy goals.
- Skip questions the wizard doesn't need given your earlier answers — it only asks what's relevant.
- Review the recommendation, why-you-got-it bullets, and the next-best-actions checklist.
Assumptions & disclaimer
These calculators are educational. They use simplified models and the inputs you provide. Results are estimates and not personalized financial, tax, investment, or legal advice. Tax law, market behavior, and personal circumstances change — verify any assumption before acting on it, and consider working with a qualified professional for decisions that matter.
- Educational decision support, not a recommendation: this tool reflects general guidance, not analysis of your specific plan terms.
- PBGC and state guaranty protections, plan-specific reduction factors, COLA, and survivor election details vary — verify them in your plan's election package.
- Pension decisions are typically irrevocable. Consult a qualified advisor before electing.