About The Money Workbench
Money decisions are easier when the math is clear
Use the site to think through saving, investing, retirement, housing, debt and car costs. It is an independent educational product, not a bank, lender, brokerage, insurer or advisory firm.
You can see every assumption
We show what drives each result. Unknown state and local costs stay blank instead of being hidden behind national averages.
Your numbers stay private
Calculations run in your browser. We never ask for account numbers, Social Security numbers or financial login credentials.
Current rules have a source
Time-sensitive federal values include an effective year and an official source. If a local rule is unverified or out of date, you enter the value yourself.
Who publishes the guides
Guides are published by the Editorial team, the site's editorial identity. The name does not imply a professional license or certification. Every guide is written and reviewed against its cited sources, with a preference for US government agencies and other primary material.
How we check the work
We test calculations against known examples, edge cases and independent formula checks. We also review the site on desktop and mobile for keyboard access, readable errors and a stable layout. Testing helps catch mistakes, but it cannot guarantee that every input, outside source or future rule is correct.
The methodology page explains how formulas, assumptions and updates are handled.
What the site cannot do
The site cannot determine eligibility, approve credit, prepare a tax return or recommend a specific investment or financial product. Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter. Before making a major decision, check current documents and talk with a qualified professional when appropriate.