Income Lab vs RetireUp

Q: Can I use Income Lab alongside RetireUp?

Yes. RetireUp provides basic retirement projections within your existing platform. Income Lab adds the depth, guardrails, and client-facing outputs that turn those projections into an ongoing retirement income conversation.

Q: What does Income Lab do that RetireUp doesn't?

Income Lab gives clients a specific spending number instead of a probability score, monitors the plan continuously with guardrails, and includes tax-smart distribution, Roth conversion modeling, income sourcing, and purpose-built client-facing reports.

Income Lab vs. RetireUp

RetireUp provides basic retirement projections, often embedded within other platforms. Income Lab is purpose-built for advisors who need deeper retirement income planning with guardrails and client-facing outputs.

#1 Retirement Distribution Tool (T3 2023-2024)

8.7/10 Advisor Satisfaction (Kitces 2025)

The fundamental difference

RetireUp and Income Lab approach retirement planning from different levels of depth. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right tool for your practice.

RetireUp's Approach

Embedded retirement projections

"Your client has a 78% probability of success."

Lightweight retirement planning tool integrated into other platforms
Provides probability-based projections
Clients see a percentage score, not a spending plan
Limited depth for the retirement income conversation

Income Lab's Approach

Purpose-built retirement income planning

"Your client can spend $7,200/month. Here's what changes if markets drop."

Standalone tool built specifically for the retirement income conversation
Guardrails give clients a specific spending number
Adjustment-based planning replaces probability scores
Client-facing reports that drive better conversations

Feature comparison

Capability	Income Lab	RetireUp
Retirement projections Model retirement outcomes and income scenarios	✓	✓
Guardrail-based monitoring Upper and lower guardrails that trigger automatic adjustments	✓	✗
Specific spending amount "How much can I spend?" answered with a dollar amount	✓	Probability %
Adjustment-based planning Plan tells you what to change when conditions shift	✓	✗
Tax-smart distribution Bracket management and withdrawal ordering	✓	Limited
Income sourcing Shows where every dollar comes from across accounts	✓	✗
Continuous monitoring Ongoing plan surveillance with alerts when action is needed	✓	✗
Client-facing reports Deliverables clients understand without explanation	✓	Basic
Social Security optimization Optimal claiming strategy analysis	✓	Basic
Roth conversion modeling Optimal conversion analysis with IRMAA awareness	✓	✗
Purpose-built for distribution Designed specifically for retirement income, not bolted on	✓	Embedded tool
Starts at	$154/month	Varies by platform
Trial offer	14-day free trial	Varies

RetireUp serves as a solid introduction to retirement planning projections. When you're ready for deeper retirement income planning with guardrails and adjustment-based methodology, Income Lab is the next step.

What advisors gain with Income Lab

"How much can I spend?"

Every client asks this question. RetireUp gives them a probability score. Income Lab gives them a specific monthly number: "You can spend $7,200/month." That clarity changes the entire conversation. See how Retirement GPS works.

Guardrails, not guesswork

When markets move, probability scores bounce. Clients panic. Income Lab's guardrails tell you exactly when to adjust and by how much. No annual plan rebuild. No client anxiety. The plan watches itself. Learn about our methodology.

Where every dollar comes from

Roth conversions, Social Security timing, withdrawal sequencing, bracket management. Income Lab shows clients exactly where their retirement income originates and why each source matters. Explore Tax Lab.

Already using RetireUp?

You don't need to cancel anything. Most advisors run Income Lab alongside their current tool during the transition.

Get started in minutes

Set up integrations or upload client data with AI Plan Builder. No manual re-entry.

Run both tools side by side

Keep RetireUp for basic projections. Add Income Lab for the deeper retirement income conversation with guardrails.

Dedicated onboarding support

We walk you through setup and your first client plan so you're producing results in days, not weeks.

14-day free trial

Full Pro access. No long-term contract. Cancel anytime during trial.

Common Questions

Can I use Income Lab alongside RetireUp?

Yes. RetireUp provides basic retirement projections, often within your existing platform. Income Lab adds the depth, guardrails, and client-facing outputs that turn those projections into an ongoing retirement income conversation. Many advisors use both during the transition.

What does Income Lab do that RetireUp doesn't?

Income Lab gives clients a specific spending number ("You can spend $7,200/month") instead of a probability score. It monitors the plan continuously with guardrails that tell you exactly when and how to adjust. It includes tax-smart distribution, Roth conversion modeling, income sourcing, and client-facing reports purpose-built for the retirement income conversation.

What does RetireUp do that Income Lab doesn't?

RetireUp is embedded within other platforms, making it accessible without a separate subscription in some cases. If you need a lightweight retirement projection tool integrated into your existing workflow, RetireUp provides that convenience. Income Lab is a standalone, purpose-built tool with deeper capabilities.

How much does Income Lab cost?

Income Lab Core starts at $154/month (annual billing) and Pro is $199/month. Both come with a 14-day free trial with full Pro access. No long-term contract.

Is there a free trial?

Yes. Income Lab offers a 14-day free trial with full Pro access. No credit card charge until the trial ends, and you can cancel anytime before then.

What integrations does Income Lab support?

Direct integrations with Schwab, Fidelity, Orion, Black Diamond, Redtail, and other major custodians and portfolio management platforms. Data imports take minutes.