US6012043A — Computerized system and method used in financial …

Claim 1

Independent Claim 537 words

For use in a computerized system used for financial retirement planning executing on a computer processor, a computer expert system for determining which retirement scenarios to include in a graphical output report, comprising: input means for receiving (a) financial data including estimated savings levels required for a plurality of retirement scenarios, (b) an investor profile indicating a tolerance to investment risk, (c) a preferred retirement age, and (d) one of a plurality of preference rankings of possible steps that could be taken to modify a retirement scenario; a plurality of sets of decision rules, each set of decision rules associated with one of the plurality of preference rankings; means for determining a hypothetical middle rate of return as a function of the investor profile and an average time assets are expected to remain invested assuming retirement at the preferred retirement age; means for determining a hypothetical low rate of return and a hypothetical high rate of return as a function of the hypothetical middle rate of return and the investor profile; means, utilizing the set of decision rules associated with the input preference ranking, for determining a first retirement age assuming basic living expenses in retirement equivalent to current basic living expenses and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the financial data, the input preference ranking and the preferred retirement age; means, utilizing the set of decision rules associated with the input preference ranking, for determining a second retirement expense level based on a percentage of current basic living expenses that is financially feasible and likely to be of interest based upon the input financial data, preference ranking and the preferred retirement age; means, utilizing the set of decision rules associated with the input preference ranking, for determining a second retirement age assuming the second retirement expense level and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input financial data, preference ranking and the preferred retirement age; means, utilizing the set of decision rules associated with the input preference ranking, for optionally determining up to two additional retirement ages being financially feasible retirement ages likely to be of interest based upon the input financial data preference ranking and the preferred retirement age if the preferred retirement age, the first retirement age and the second retirement age are not unique; and output means for generating a graphical output report illustrating a plurality of retirement scenarios including two graphs, the first graph assuming basic living expenses in retirement equivalent to current basic living expenses, the second graph assuming the second retirement expense level, each graph having a first axis including the preferred retirement age, the first retirement age, the second retirement age and the additional retirement ages if applicable, each graph having a second axis including a plurality of estimated savings levels, each graph including plots representing the estimated savings levels corresponding to each of said retirement ages assuming the hypothetical low rate of return, the hypothetical middle rate of return and the hypothetical high rate of return, the first graph highlighting the combination (hypothetical middle rate of return, first retirement age), the second graph highlighting the combination (hypothetical middle rate of return, second retirement age).

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 537 words

For use in a computerized system used for financial retirement planning executing on a computer processor, a computer expert system for determining which retirement scenarios to include in a graphical output report, comprising: input means for receiving (a) financial data including estimated savings levels required for a plurality of retirement scenarios, (b) an investor profile indicating a tolerance to investment risk, (c) a preferred retirement age, and (d) one of a plurality of preference rankings of possible steps that could be taken to modify a retirement scenario; a plurality of sets of decision rules, each set of decision rules associated with one of the plurality of preference rankings; means for determining a hypothetical middle rate of return as a function of the investor profile and an average time assets are expected to remain invested assuming retirement at the preferred retirement age; means for determining a hypothetical low rate of return and a hypothetical high rate of return as a function of the hypothetical middle rate of return and the investor profile; means, utilizing the set of decision rules associated with the input preference ranking, for determining a first retirement age assuming basic living expenses in retirement equivalent to current basic living expenses and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the financial data, the input preference ranking and the preferred retirement age; means, utilizing the set of decision rules associated with the input preference ranking, for determining a second retirement expense level based on a percentage of current basic living expenses that is financially feasible and likely to be of interest based upon the input financial data, preference ranking and the preferred retirement age; means, utilizing the set of decision rules associated with the input preference ranking, for determining a second retirement age assuming the second retirement expense level and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input financial data, preference ranking and the preferred retirement age; means, utilizing the set of decision rules associated with the input preference ranking, for optionally determining up to two additional retirement ages being financially feasible retirement ages likely to be of interest based upon the input financial data preference ranking and the preferred retirement age if the preferred retirement age, the first retirement age and the second retirement age are not unique; and output means for generating a graphical output report illustrating a plurality of retirement scenarios including two graphs, the first graph assuming basic living expenses in retirement equivalent to current basic living expenses, the second graph assuming the second retirement expense level, each graph having a first axis including the preferred retirement age, the first retirement age, the second retirement age and the additional retirement ages if applicable, each graph having a second axis including a plurality of estimated savings levels, each graph including plots representing the estimated savings levels corresponding to each of said retirement ages assuming the hypothetical low rate of return, the hypothetical middle rate of return and the hypothetical high rate of return, the first graph highlighting the combination (hypothetical middle rate of return, first retirement age), the second graph highlighting the combination (hypothetical middle rate of return, second retirement age).

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 26 words

The expert system of claim 1 wherein the preference ranking orders the items (a) save more now, (b) work longer, and (c) reduce expenses in retirement.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 1 further comprising means for providing manual review and optional manual override prior to generation of the output report.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 34 words

The system of claim 1 further comprising means for automatically providing manual review and optional manual override prior to generation of the output report upon one of a plurality of predefined conditions being satisfied.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 350 words

A computer implemented system for determining retirement scenarios to include in an output report, comprising: input means for receiving (a) financial data, (b) an investor profile indicating a tolerance to investment risk, (c) a preferred retirement age, and (d) one of a plurality of preference rankings of possible steps that could be taken to modify a retirement scenario; a plurality of sets of expert system decision rules, each set of expert system decision rules associated with one of the plurality of preference rankings; means for determining a hypothetical rate of return as a function of the investor profile and an average time assets are expected to remain invested; means, utilizing the set of expert system decision rules associated with the input preference ranking, for determining a first retirement age assuming an expense level in retirement designed to maintain a current standard of living and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking; means, utilizing the set of expert system decision rules associated with the input preference ranking, for determining a second retirement expense level and for determining a second retirement age assuming the second retirement expense level and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking; and output means for providing the hypothetical rate of return, the first retirement age, the second retirement age and the second retirement expense level to a retirement planning system, said output means comprises means for generating the output report as at least two graphs illustrating a plurality of retirement scenarios specifying an estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement, the first graph assuming an expense level in retirement designed to maintain to the current standard of living, the second graph assuming the second retirement expense level, each graph having a first axis including the preferred retirement age, the first retirement age and the second retirement age, each graph including a plot representing the hypothetical rate of return, the first graph highlighting the first retirement age and the second graph highlighting the second retirement age.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 350 words

A computer implemented system for determining retirement scenarios to include in an output report, comprising: input means for receiving (a) financial data, (b) an investor profile indicating a tolerance to investment risk, (c) a preferred retirement age, and (d) one of a plurality of preference rankings of possible steps that could be taken to modify a retirement scenario; a plurality of sets of expert system decision rules, each set of expert system decision rules associated with one of the plurality of preference rankings; means for determining a hypothetical rate of return as a function of the investor profile and an average time assets are expected to remain invested; means, utilizing the set of expert system decision rules associated with the input preference ranking, for determining a first retirement age assuming an expense level in retirement designed to maintain a current standard of living and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking; means, utilizing the set of expert system decision rules associated with the input preference ranking, for determining a second retirement expense level and for determining a second retirement age assuming the second retirement expense level and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking; and output means for providing the hypothetical rate of return, the first retirement age, the second retirement age and the second retirement expense level to a retirement planning system, said output means comprises means for generating the output report as at least two graphs illustrating a plurality of retirement scenarios specifying an estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement, the first graph assuming an expense level in retirement designed to maintain to the current standard of living, the second graph assuming the second retirement expense level, each graph having a first axis including the preferred retirement age, the first retirement age and the second retirement age, each graph including a plot representing the hypothetical rate of return, the first graph highlighting the first retirement age and the second graph highlighting the second retirement age.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 63 words

The system of claim 5 wherein the output means further comprises means for generating the output report illustrating a plurality of retirement scenarios in graphical form wherein the first retirement age is highlighted when associated with the expense level in retirement equivalent to the current expense level and wherein the second retirement age is highlighted when associated with the second retirement expense level.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 244 words

A computer implemented system for determining which retirement scenarios to include in a report specifying an estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement, comprising: input means for receiving financial data and one of a plurality of preference rankings of possible steps that could be taken to modify a retirement strategy; a plurality of sets of expert system decision rules, each set of expert system decision rules associated with one of the plurality of preference rankings; means, utilizing the set of expert system decision rules associated with the input preference ranking, for determining a first retirement age assuming an expense level in retirement designed to maintain to a current standard of living and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking; means, utilizing the set of expert system decision rules associated with the input preference ranking, for determining a second retirement expense level; means, utilizing the set of expert system decision rules associated with the input preference ranking, for determining a second retirement age assuming the second retirement expense level and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking; output means for the first retirement age, the second retirement age and the second retirement expense level to a retirement planning system; and means for generating a graphical report illustrating the first financial retirement strategy, the second financial retirement strategy and the third financial retirement strategy.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 244 words

A computer implemented system for determining which retirement scenarios to include in a report specifying an estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement, comprising: input means for receiving financial data and one of a plurality of preference rankings of possible steps that could be taken to modify a retirement strategy; a plurality of sets of expert system decision rules, each set of expert system decision rules associated with one of the plurality of preference rankings; means, utilizing the set of expert system decision rules associated with the input preference ranking, for determining a first retirement age assuming an expense level in retirement designed to maintain to a current standard of living and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking; means, utilizing the set of expert system decision rules associated with the input preference ranking, for determining a second retirement expense level; means, utilizing the set of expert system decision rules associated with the input preference ranking, for determining a second retirement age assuming the second retirement expense level and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking; output means for the first retirement age, the second retirement age and the second retirement expense level to a retirement planning system; and means for generating a graphical report illustrating the first financial retirement strategy, the second financial retirement strategy and the third financial retirement strategy.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 32 words

The system of claim 7 wherein the output means further comprises means for generating the report specifying an estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement highlighting the first retirement age.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 37 words

The system of claim 7 wherein the output means further comprises means for generating the report specifying an estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement highlighting the first retirement age and the second retirement age.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 186 words

A computer-implemented retirement planning graphical report generation system, comprising: an input device for receiving as input a customer preferred retirement age, a first retirement age being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon a customer preference ranking and assuming a first retirement expense level, a second retirement age being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference ranking and assuming a second retirement expense level, and a plurality of rates of return; and a report generator for generating a report illustrating a plurality of financial retirement scenarios specifying estimated amounts of annual savings required to fund retirement, the report including two graphs, the first graph assuming the first retirement expense level having a first axis including the first retirement age, the second graph assuming the second retirement expense level having a first axis including the second retirement age, each graph including plots representing each of the plurality of rates of return, the first graph highlighting the first retirement age and the second graph highlighting the second retirement age.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 186 words

A computer-implemented retirement planning graphical report generation system, comprising: an input device for receiving as input a customer preferred retirement age, a first retirement age being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon a customer preference ranking and assuming a first retirement expense level, a second retirement age being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference ranking and assuming a second retirement expense level, and a plurality of rates of return; and a report generator for generating a report illustrating a plurality of financial retirement scenarios specifying estimated amounts of annual savings required to fund retirement, the report including two graphs, the first graph assuming the first retirement expense level having a first axis including the first retirement age, the second graph assuming the second retirement expense level having a first axis including the second retirement age, each graph including plots representing each of the plurality of rates of return, the first graph highlighting the first retirement age and the second graph highlighting the second retirement age.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 27 words

The system of claim 10 wherein the first axis of each graph comprises the customer preferred retirement age, the first retirement age and the second retirement age.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 277 words

A computer implemented expert system for aiding a customer in determining appropriate financial retirement strategies towards obtaining a desired standard of living in retirement, comprising: means for receiving financial information about the customer; means for receiving customer preference rankings specifying a preferred order of possible steps that could be taken to modify a financial retirement strategy; means for receiving a customer preferred retirement age; means for determining a first financial retirement strategy with retirement at the customer preferred retirement age, the first financial strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at the customer preferred retirement age; means for determining a second financial retirement strategy with retirement at a first system-selected retirement age assuming an expense level in retirement equivalent to the customer's current standard of living, the first system-selected retirement age being a financial feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the second financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at the first system-selected retirement age; means for determining a third financial strategy with retirement at a second system-selected retirement age assuming a retirement standard of living different from the customer's current standard of living, the second system-selected retirement age being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the third financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at second system-selected retirement age; and means for generating a graphical report illustrating the first financial retirement strategy, the second financial retirement strategy and the third financial retirement strategy.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 277 words

A computer implemented expert system for aiding a customer in determining appropriate financial retirement strategies towards obtaining a desired standard of living in retirement, comprising: means for receiving financial information about the customer; means for receiving customer preference rankings specifying a preferred order of possible steps that could be taken to modify a financial retirement strategy; means for receiving a customer preferred retirement age; means for determining a first financial retirement strategy with retirement at the customer preferred retirement age, the first financial strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at the customer preferred retirement age; means for determining a second financial retirement strategy with retirement at a first system-selected retirement age assuming an expense level in retirement equivalent to the customer's current standard of living, the first system-selected retirement age being a financial feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the second financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at the first system-selected retirement age; means for determining a third financial strategy with retirement at a second system-selected retirement age assuming a retirement standard of living different from the customer's current standard of living, the second system-selected retirement age being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the third financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at second system-selected retirement age; and means for generating a graphical report illustrating the first financial retirement strategy, the second financial retirement strategy and the third financial retirement strategy.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 46 words

The system of claim 12 further comprising means for receiving an investor profile indicating a tolerance to investment risk; and means for determining a hypothetical rate of return as a function of the investor profile and an average time which assets are expected to remain invested.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 25 words

The system of claim 13 further comprising means for determining an inflation assumption that is consistent with and corresponds to the hypothetical rate of return.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 32 words

The system of claim 13 further comprising means for determining an income needed each year in retirement and for determining additional savings needed so that customer's assets will provide said income needed.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 105 words

The system of claim 15 further comprising a report generator for generating a report including two graphs, the first graph assuming the expense level in retirement designed to maintain to the customer's current standard of living having a first axis including the first system selected retirement age, the second graph assuming the retirement standard of living different from the customer's current standard of living having a first axis including the second system selected retirement age, each graph including a plot representing the hypothetical rate of return, the first graph highlighting the second financial retirement strategy and the second graph highlighting the third financial retirement strategy.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 29 words

The system of claim 16 wherein the first axis of each graph comprises the customer preferred retirement age, the first system-selected retirement age and the second system-select retirement age.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 209 words

A computer implemented expert system for helping a customer determine appropriate financial retirement strategies towards obtaining a desired standard of living in retirement, comprising: means for receiving financial information about the customer; means for receiving customer preference rankings specifying a preferred of order of possible steps that could be taken to modify a financial retirement strategy; means for determining a first financial retirement strategy with retirement at a first retirement age assuming a first level of expense in retirement, the first retirement age being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the first financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at the first retirement age; means for determining a second financial retirement strategy with retirement at a second retirement age assuming a second level of expense in retirement, the second retirement age being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the second financial strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at second retirement age; and means for generating a graphical report illustrating the first financial retirement strategy and the second financial retirement strategy.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 209 words

A computer implemented expert system for helping a customer determine appropriate financial retirement strategies towards obtaining a desired standard of living in retirement, comprising: means for receiving financial information about the customer; means for receiving customer preference rankings specifying a preferred of order of possible steps that could be taken to modify a financial retirement strategy; means for determining a first financial retirement strategy with retirement at a first retirement age assuming a first level of expense in retirement, the first retirement age being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the first financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at the first retirement age; means for determining a second financial retirement strategy with retirement at a second retirement age assuming a second level of expense in retirement, the second retirement age being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the second financial strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at second retirement age; and means for generating a graphical report illustrating the first financial retirement strategy and the second financial retirement strategy.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 156 words

A computer implemented expert system for helping a customer determine appropriate financial strategies, comprising: means for receiving financial information about the customer; means for receiving customer goals and preference rankings specifying a preferred order of possible steps that could be taken to modify financial goals and strategies for achieving said financial goals; means for determining a first financial strategy having financial goals set according to the preference rankings, the first financial strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to obtain the financial goals; means for determining a second financial strategy having alternative financial goal amounts, the alternative financial goal amounts being financially feasible and likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the preference rankings, the second financial strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to obtain the alternative financial goals; and means for generating a graphical report illustrating the first financial retirement strategy and the second financial retirement strategy.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 156 words

A computer implemented expert system for helping a customer determine appropriate financial strategies, comprising: means for receiving financial information about the customer; means for receiving customer goals and preference rankings specifying a preferred order of possible steps that could be taken to modify financial goals and strategies for achieving said financial goals; means for determining a first financial strategy having financial goals set according to the preference rankings, the first financial strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to obtain the financial goals; means for determining a second financial strategy having alternative financial goal amounts, the alternative financial goal amounts being financially feasible and likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the preference rankings, the second financial strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to obtain the alternative financial goals; and means for generating a graphical report illustrating the first financial retirement strategy and the second financial retirement strategy.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 22 words

The system of claim 19 wherein the financial goals and the alternative financial goals include preferred and alternative timings of the goals.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 523 words

For use in a computerized financial retirement planning system executing on a computer processor, a computer implemented method for determining which retirement scenarios to include in a graphical output report, comprising the steps of: receiving as input (a) financial data including estimated savings levels required for a plurality of retirement scenarios, (b) an investor profile indicating a tolerance to financial risk, (c) a preferred retirement age, and (d) one of a plurality of preference rankings of possible steps that could be taken to modify a retirement scenario; providing a plurality of sets of decision rules, each set of decision rules associated with one of the plurality of preference rankings; determining a hypothetical middle rate of return as a function of the investor profile and an average time assets are expected to remain invested assuming retirement at the preferred retirement age; determining a hypothetical low rate of return and a hypothetical high rate of return as a function of the hypothetical middle rate of return and the investor profile; utilizing the set of decision rules associated with the input preference ranking to determine a first retirement age assuming basic living expenses in retirement equivalent to current basic living expenses and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the financial data, the input preference ranking and the preferred retirement age; utilizing the set of decision rules associated with the input preference ranking to determine a second retirement expense level based on a percentage of current basic living expenses that is financially feasible and likely to be of interest based upon the financial data/input preference ranking and the preferred retirement age; utilizing the set of decision rules associated with the input preference ranking to determine a second retirement age assuming the second retirement expense level and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking and the preferred retirement age; optionally, utilizing the set of decision rules associated with the input preference ranking to determine up to two additional retirement ages being financially feasible retirement ages likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking and the preferred retirement age if the preferred retirement age, the first retirement age and the second retirement age are not unique; and generating a graphical output report illustrating a plurality of retirement scenarios including two graphs, the first graph assuming basic living expenses in retirement equivalent to a current basic living expenses, the second graph assuming the second retirement expense level, each graph having a first axis including the preferred retirement age, the first retirement age, the second retirement age and the additional retirement ages if applicable, each graph having a second axis including a plurality of estimated savings levels, each graph including plots representing the estimated savings levels corresponding to each of said retirement ages assuming the hypothetical low rate of return, the hypothetical middle rate of return and the hypothetical high rate of return, the first graph highlighting the combination (hypothetical middle rate of return, first retirement age), the second graph highlighting the combination (hypothetical middle rate of return, second retirement age).

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 523 words

For use in a computerized financial retirement planning system executing on a computer processor, a computer implemented method for determining which retirement scenarios to include in a graphical output report, comprising the steps of: receiving as input (a) financial data including estimated savings levels required for a plurality of retirement scenarios, (b) an investor profile indicating a tolerance to financial risk, (c) a preferred retirement age, and (d) one of a plurality of preference rankings of possible steps that could be taken to modify a retirement scenario; providing a plurality of sets of decision rules, each set of decision rules associated with one of the plurality of preference rankings; determining a hypothetical middle rate of return as a function of the investor profile and an average time assets are expected to remain invested assuming retirement at the preferred retirement age; determining a hypothetical low rate of return and a hypothetical high rate of return as a function of the hypothetical middle rate of return and the investor profile; utilizing the set of decision rules associated with the input preference ranking to determine a first retirement age assuming basic living expenses in retirement equivalent to current basic living expenses and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the financial data, the input preference ranking and the preferred retirement age; utilizing the set of decision rules associated with the input preference ranking to determine a second retirement expense level based on a percentage of current basic living expenses that is financially feasible and likely to be of interest based upon the financial data/input preference ranking and the preferred retirement age; utilizing the set of decision rules associated with the input preference ranking to determine a second retirement age assuming the second retirement expense level and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking and the preferred retirement age; optionally, utilizing the set of decision rules associated with the input preference ranking to determine up to two additional retirement ages being financially feasible retirement ages likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking and the preferred retirement age if the preferred retirement age, the first retirement age and the second retirement age are not unique; and generating a graphical output report illustrating a plurality of retirement scenarios including two graphs, the first graph assuming basic living expenses in retirement equivalent to a current basic living expenses, the second graph assuming the second retirement expense level, each graph having a first axis including the preferred retirement age, the first retirement age, the second retirement age and the additional retirement ages if applicable, each graph having a second axis including a plurality of estimated savings levels, each graph including plots representing the estimated savings levels corresponding to each of said retirement ages assuming the hypothetical low rate of return, the hypothetical middle rate of return and the hypothetical high rate of return, the first graph highlighting the combination (hypothetical middle rate of return, first retirement age), the second graph highlighting the combination (hypothetical middle rate of return, second retirement age).

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 47 words

The method of claim 21 further comprising the steps of: automatically providing manual review prior to generation of the output report upon one of a plurality of predefined conditions being satisfied; and optionally, manually overriding one or more of the determinations made according to the decision rules.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 339 words

A computer implemented method for determining retirement scenarios to include in an output report, comprising the steps of: receiving as input (a) financial data, (b) an investor profile indicating a tolerance to financial risk, (c) a preferred retirement age, and (d) one of a plurality of preference rankings of possible steps that could be taken to modify a retirement scenarios; providing a plurality of sets of expert system decision rules, each set of expert system decision rules associated with one of the plurality of preference rankings; determining a hypothetical rate of return as a function of the investor profile and an average time for which assets are expected to remain invested; determining a first retirement age assuming an expense level in retirement designed to maintain the current standard of living and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking, said step utilizing the set of expert system decision rules associated with the input preference ranking; determining a second retirement expense level different from the current standard of living, said step utilizing the set of expert system decision rules associated with the input preference ranking; determining a second retirement age assuming the second retirement expense level and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking, said step utilizing the set of expert system decision rules associated with the input preference ranking; and generating a graphical output report illustrating a plurality of retirement scenarios including two graphs, the first graph assuming basic living expenses in retirement equivalent to a current basic living expenses, the second graph assuming the second retirement expense level, each graph having a first axis including the preferred retirement age, the first retirement age, the second retirement age and the additional retirement ages if applicable, each graph having a second axis including a plurality of estimated savings levels, each graph including plots representing the estimated savings levels corresponding to each of said retirement ages assuming the hypothetical rate of return.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 339 words

A computer implemented method for determining retirement scenarios to include in an output report, comprising the steps of: receiving as input (a) financial data, (b) an investor profile indicating a tolerance to financial risk, (c) a preferred retirement age, and (d) one of a plurality of preference rankings of possible steps that could be taken to modify a retirement scenarios; providing a plurality of sets of expert system decision rules, each set of expert system decision rules associated with one of the plurality of preference rankings; determining a hypothetical rate of return as a function of the investor profile and an average time for which assets are expected to remain invested; determining a first retirement age assuming an expense level in retirement designed to maintain the current standard of living and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking, said step utilizing the set of expert system decision rules associated with the input preference ranking; determining a second retirement expense level different from the current standard of living, said step utilizing the set of expert system decision rules associated with the input preference ranking; determining a second retirement age assuming the second retirement expense level and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking, said step utilizing the set of expert system decision rules associated with the input preference ranking; and generating a graphical output report illustrating a plurality of retirement scenarios including two graphs, the first graph assuming basic living expenses in retirement equivalent to a current basic living expenses, the second graph assuming the second retirement expense level, each graph having a first axis including the preferred retirement age, the first retirement age, the second retirement age and the additional retirement ages if applicable, each graph having a second axis including a plurality of estimated savings levels, each graph including plots representing the estimated savings levels corresponding to each of said retirement ages assuming the hypothetical rate of return.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 66 words

The method of claim 23 wherein the step of outputting further comprises the step of generating the output report illustrating a plurality of retirement scenarios in graphical form; wherein the first retirement age is highlighted when associated with the expense level in retirement equivalent to the current standard of living; and wherein the second retirement age is highlighted when associated with the second retirement expense level.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 162 words

A computer-based method for determining which retirement scenarios to include in a report specifying an estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement, comprising the steps of: receiving as input financial data and one of a plurality of preference rankings of possible steps that could be taken to modify a retirement scenario; determining a first retirement age assuming an expense level in retirement designed to maintain the current standard of living and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking, as a first financial retirement strategy; determining a second retirement expense level being different from the current standard of living; determining a second retirement age assuming the second retirement expense level and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking, as a second financial retirement strategy; and generating a graphical report illustrating the first financial retirement strategy and the second financial retirement strategy.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 162 words

A computer-based method for determining which retirement scenarios to include in a report specifying an estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement, comprising the steps of: receiving as input financial data and one of a plurality of preference rankings of possible steps that could be taken to modify a retirement scenario; determining a first retirement age assuming an expense level in retirement designed to maintain the current standard of living and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking, as a first financial retirement strategy; determining a second retirement expense level being different from the current standard of living; determining a second retirement age assuming the second retirement expense level and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest based upon the input preference ranking, as a second financial retirement strategy; and generating a graphical report illustrating the first financial retirement strategy and the second financial retirement strategy.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method of claim 25 wherein the step of outputting further comprises generating the report specifying an estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement highlighting the first retirement age and the second retirement age.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of providing a plurality of sets of expert system decision rules, each set of expert system decision rules associated with one of the plurality of preference rankings.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 27 wherein each determining step utilizes the set of expert system decision rules associated with the input preference ranking.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 181 words

A computer-based retirement planning graphical report generation method, comprising the steps of: receiving as input a customer preferred retirement age, a first retirement age being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon a customer preference ranking and assuming a first retirement expense level, a second retirement age being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference ranking and assuming a second retirement expense level, and a plurality of rates of return; and generating a report illustrating a plurality of financial retirement scenarios specifying estimated amounts of annual savings required to fund retirement, the report including two graphs, the first graph assuming the first retirement expense level having a first axis including the first retirement age, the second graph assuming the second retirement expense level having a first axis including the second retirement age, each graph including plots representing each of the plurality of rates of return, the first graph highlighting the first retirement age and the second graph highlighting the second retirement age.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 181 words

A computer-based retirement planning graphical report generation method, comprising the steps of: receiving as input a customer preferred retirement age, a first retirement age being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon a customer preference ranking and assuming a first retirement expense level, a second retirement age being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference ranking and assuming a second retirement expense level, and a plurality of rates of return; and generating a report illustrating a plurality of financial retirement scenarios specifying estimated amounts of annual savings required to fund retirement, the report including two graphs, the first graph assuming the first retirement expense level having a first axis including the first retirement age, the second graph assuming the second retirement expense level having a first axis including the second retirement age, each graph including plots representing each of the plurality of rates of return, the first graph highlighting the first retirement age and the second graph highlighting the second retirement age.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method of claim 29 wherein the first axis of each graph plots the customer preferred retirement age, the first retirement age and the second retirement age.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 267 words

A computer implemented method for helping a customer determine appropriate financial retirement strategies towards obtaining a desired standard of living in retirement, comprising the steps of: receiving financial information about the customer; receiving customer preference rankings specifying a preferred of order of possible steps that could be taken to modify a financial retirement strategy; receiving a customer preferred retirement age; determining a first financial retirement strategy with retirement at the customer preferred retirement age, the first financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at the customer preferred retirement age; determining a second financial retirement strategy with retirement at a first computer-generated retirement age assuming an expense level in retirement designed to maintain the customer's current standard of living, the first computer-generated retirement age being a financial feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the second financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at the first computer-generated retirement age; determining a third financial retirement strategy with retirement at a second computer-generated retirement age assuming a retirement expense level different from the customer's current standard of living, the second computer-generated retirement age being a financial feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the third financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at second computer-generated retirement age; and generating a graphical report illustrating the first financial retirement strategy, the second financial retirement strategy and the third financial retirement strategy.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 267 words

A computer implemented method for helping a customer determine appropriate financial retirement strategies towards obtaining a desired standard of living in retirement, comprising the steps of: receiving financial information about the customer; receiving customer preference rankings specifying a preferred of order of possible steps that could be taken to modify a financial retirement strategy; receiving a customer preferred retirement age; determining a first financial retirement strategy with retirement at the customer preferred retirement age, the first financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at the customer preferred retirement age; determining a second financial retirement strategy with retirement at a first computer-generated retirement age assuming an expense level in retirement designed to maintain the customer's current standard of living, the first computer-generated retirement age being a financial feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the second financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at the first computer-generated retirement age; determining a third financial retirement strategy with retirement at a second computer-generated retirement age assuming a retirement expense level different from the customer's current standard of living, the second computer-generated retirement age being a financial feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the third financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at second computer-generated retirement age; and generating a graphical report illustrating the first financial retirement strategy, the second financial retirement strategy and the third financial retirement strategy.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 31 wherein the method is performed on a batch basis such that all receiving steps are performed prior to all determining steps.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 46 words

The method of claim 31 further comprising the steps of: receiving an investor profile indicating a tolerance to investment risk; and determining a hypothetical rate of return as a function of the investor profile and an average time for which assets are expected to remain invested.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of claim 33 further comprising the step of determining an inflation assumption consistent with and corresponding to the hypothetical rate of return.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 33 further comprising the steps of: determining an income needed each year in retirement assuming the hypothetical rate of return; and determining estimated additional savings needed so that the customer's assets will provide said income needed.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 339 words

A computer implemented method for helping a customer determine appropriate financial retirement strategies towards obtaining a desired standard of living in retirement, comprising the steps of: receiving financial information about the customer; receiving customer preference rankings specifying a preferred of order of possible steps that could be taken to modify a financial retirement strategy; receiving a customer preferred retirement age; determining a first financial retirement strategy with retirement at the customer preferred retirement age, the first financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at the customer preferred retirement age; determining a second financial retirement strategy with retirement at a first computer-generated retirement age assuming an expense level in retirement designed to maintain the customer's current standard of living, the first computer-generated retirement age being a financial feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the second financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at the first computer-oenerated retirement age; determining a third financial retirement strategy with retirement at a second computer-generated retirement age assuming a retirement expense level different from the customer's current standard of living, the second computer-generated retirement age being a financial feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the third financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at second computer-generated retirement age; and generating a report including two graphs, the first graph assuming the expense level in retirement designed to maintain the customer's current standard of living having a first axis including the first computer generated retirement age, the second graph assuming the expense level in retirement different from the customer's current standard of living having a first axis including the second computer generated retirement age, each graph including a plot representing the hypothetical rate of return, the first graph highlighting the second financial retirement strategy and the second graph highlighting the third financial retirement strategy.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 339 words

A computer implemented method for helping a customer determine appropriate financial retirement strategies towards obtaining a desired standard of living in retirement, comprising the steps of: receiving financial information about the customer; receiving customer preference rankings specifying a preferred of order of possible steps that could be taken to modify a financial retirement strategy; receiving a customer preferred retirement age; determining a first financial retirement strategy with retirement at the customer preferred retirement age, the first financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at the customer preferred retirement age; determining a second financial retirement strategy with retirement at a first computer-generated retirement age assuming an expense level in retirement designed to maintain the customer's current standard of living, the first computer-generated retirement age being a financial feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the second financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at the first computer-oenerated retirement age; determining a third financial retirement strategy with retirement at a second computer-generated retirement age assuming a retirement expense level different from the customer's current standard of living, the second computer-generated retirement age being a financial feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the third financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at second computer-generated retirement age; and generating a report including two graphs, the first graph assuming the expense level in retirement designed to maintain the customer's current standard of living having a first axis including the first computer generated retirement age, the second graph assuming the expense level in retirement different from the customer's current standard of living having a first axis including the second computer generated retirement age, each graph including a plot representing the hypothetical rate of return, the first graph highlighting the second financial retirement strategy and the second graph highlighting the third financial retirement strategy.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method of claim 36 wherein the first axis of each graph includes the customer preferred retirement age, the first computer-generated retirement age and the second computer-generated retirement age.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 202 words

A computer implemented method for aiding a customer determine appropriate financial retirement strategies towards obtaining a desired standard of living in retirement, comprising the steps of: receiving financial information about the customer; receiving customer preference rankings specifying a preferred of order of possible steps that could be taken to modify a financial retirement strategy; determining a first financial retirement strategy with retirement at a first retirement age assuming a first level of expense in retirement, the first retirement age being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the first financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at the first retirement age; determining a second financial retirement strategy with retirement at a second retirement age assuming a second level of expense in retirement, the second retirement age being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the second financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at second retirement age; and generating a graphical report illustrating the first financial retirement strategy and the second financial retirement strategy.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 202 words

A computer implemented method for aiding a customer determine appropriate financial retirement strategies towards obtaining a desired standard of living in retirement, comprising the steps of: receiving financial information about the customer; receiving customer preference rankings specifying a preferred of order of possible steps that could be taken to modify a financial retirement strategy; determining a first financial retirement strategy with retirement at a first retirement age assuming a first level of expense in retirement, the first retirement age being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the first financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at the first retirement age; determining a second financial retirement strategy with retirement at a second retirement age assuming a second level of expense in retirement, the second retirement age being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based upon the customer preference rankings, the second financial retirement strategy specifying the estimated amount of annual savings required to fund retirement at second retirement age; and generating a graphical report illustrating the first financial retirement strategy and the second financial retirement strategy.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 313 words

A computer-based method to help a user determine appropriate financial retirement strategies towards obtaining a desired standard of living in retirement, comprising the steps of: (a) providing financial information relating to the user's financial situation; (b) providing demographic information about the user; (c) providing answers to questions concerning the user's tolerance to investment risk; (d) providing a ranked preference of steps the user could take to improve the user's standard of living in retirement; (e) providing a preferred retirement date; (f) determining a hypothetical rate of return based upon the answers to questions concerning the user's tolerance to investment risk and historical investment returns; (g) utilizing the financial information and the demographic information to determine a first average income needed per year in retirement to maintain a standard of living in retirement similar to the user's present standard of living; (h) calculating a first yearly estimated savings amount to obtain the first average income needed per year in retirement assuming the hypothetical rate of return, the first yearly estimated savings amount being an amount increased with inflation the user should save per year until retirement at the preferred retirement date; (i) determining a modified standard of living in retirement based upon the ranked preference; (j) utilizing the financial information and the demographic information to determine a second average income needed per year in retirement to obtain the modified standard of living; (k) calculating a second yearly estimated savings amount to obtain the second average income needed per year in retirement assuming the hypothetical rate of return, the second yearly estimated savings amount increased with inflation being an amount the user should save per year until retirement at the preferred retirement date; and (l) generating a graphical report illustrating the first yearly estimated savings amount as a first financial retirement strategy and the second yearly estimated savings amount as a second financial retirement strategy.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 313 words

A computer-based method to help a user determine appropriate financial retirement strategies towards obtaining a desired standard of living in retirement, comprising the steps of: (a) providing financial information relating to the user's financial situation; (b) providing demographic information about the user; (c) providing answers to questions concerning the user's tolerance to investment risk; (d) providing a ranked preference of steps the user could take to improve the user's standard of living in retirement; (e) providing a preferred retirement date; (f) determining a hypothetical rate of return based upon the answers to questions concerning the user's tolerance to investment risk and historical investment returns; (g) utilizing the financial information and the demographic information to determine a first average income needed per year in retirement to maintain a standard of living in retirement similar to the user's present standard of living; (h) calculating a first yearly estimated savings amount to obtain the first average income needed per year in retirement assuming the hypothetical rate of return, the first yearly estimated savings amount being an amount increased with inflation the user should save per year until retirement at the preferred retirement date; (i) determining a modified standard of living in retirement based upon the ranked preference; (j) utilizing the financial information and the demographic information to determine a second average income needed per year in retirement to obtain the modified standard of living; (k) calculating a second yearly estimated savings amount to obtain the second average income needed per year in retirement assuming the hypothetical rate of return, the second yearly estimated savings amount increased with inflation being an amount the user should save per year until retirement at the preferred retirement date; and (l) generating a graphical report illustrating the first yearly estimated savings amount as a first financial retirement strategy and the second yearly estimated savings amount as a second financial retirement strategy.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method of claim 39 further comprising the steps of: determining a set of alternative retirement dates; and performing steps (g) and (h) through (l) for each of the alternative retirement dates.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method of claim 39 further comprising the steps of: determining a set of alternative hypothetical rates of return based upon the answers to questions concerning the user's tolerance to investment risk and historical investment returns; and performing steps (h), (k) and (l) for each of the alternative hypothetical rates of return.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 67 words

The method of claim 39 further comprising the steps of: determining a set of alternative retirement dates; determining a set of alternative hypothetical rates of return based upon the answers to questions concerning the user's tolerance to investment risk and historical investment returns; and performing steps (g) and (h) through (l) for each of the alternative retirement dates and each of the alternative hypothetical rates of return.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 42 further comprising the step of selecting a preferred retirement date and rate of return.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 56 words

The method of claim 42 wherein the step of outputting further comprises the steps of: outputting the first yearly estimated savings amounts and associated retirement dates and hypothetical rates of return on a first graph; and outputting the second yearly estimated savings amounts and associated retirement dates and hypothetical rates of return on a second graph.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 176 words

A computerized method for determining retirement scenarios, comprising the steps of: receiving from a customer (1) financial data, (2) a preferred retirement age, and (3) a customer preference ranking of a plurality of steps that could be taken to modify a retirement scenario; determining a first retirement age assuming an expense level in retirement designed to maintain a current standard of living and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based on the customer preference ranking, as a first financial retirement strategy; determining a second retirement expense level, and a second retirement age assuming the second retirement expense level, being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based on the customer preference ranking as a second financial retirement strategy; and providing a graphical report to the customer illustrating the first financial retirement strategy and the second financial retirement strategy; wherein said steps of determining are performed by a computer processor based on the received financial data, preferred retirement age, and customer preference ranking.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 176 words

A computerized method for determining retirement scenarios, comprising the steps of: receiving from a customer (1) financial data, (2) a preferred retirement age, and (3) a customer preference ranking of a plurality of steps that could be taken to modify a retirement scenario; determining a first retirement age assuming an expense level in retirement designed to maintain a current standard of living and being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based on the customer preference ranking, as a first financial retirement strategy; determining a second retirement expense level, and a second retirement age assuming the second retirement expense level, being a financially feasible retirement age likely to be of interest to the customer based on the customer preference ranking as a second financial retirement strategy; and providing a graphical report to the customer illustrating the first financial retirement strategy and the second financial retirement strategy; wherein said steps of determining are performed by a computer processor based on the received financial data, preferred retirement age, and customer preference ranking.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 49 words

The method of claim 45, wherein the customer preference ranking includes an ordered ranking of the following steps that could be taken to modify a retirement scenario: (1) saving more money before retirement; (2) reducing expenses during retirement and (3) working for a longer period of time before retirement.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 46, wherein said steps of determining are performed using expert system decision rules associated with the customer preference ranking.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 99 words

A computerized method for illustrating a plurality of savings levels required to fund a plurality of retirement scenarios, comprising the steps of: receiving financial and retirement data from a customer; and providing a graphical output, using a multi-line plot where each line represents a different retirement scenario, illustrating the plurality of savings levels required to fund retirement, corresponding to a plurality of combinations of assumed retirement ages and assumed rates of return, applicable to the received financial and retirement data; wherein said step of providing is performed by a computer processor based on the received financial and retirement data.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 99 words

A computerized method for illustrating a plurality of savings levels required to fund a plurality of retirement scenarios, comprising the steps of: receiving financial and retirement data from a customer; and providing a graphical output, using a multi-line plot where each line represents a different retirement scenario, illustrating the plurality of savings levels required to fund retirement, corresponding to a plurality of combinations of assumed retirement ages and assumed rates of return, applicable to the received financial and retirement data; wherein said step of providing is performed by a computer processor based on the received financial and retirement data.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 132 words

A computerized method for illustrating a plurality of savings levels required to fund a plurality of retirement scenarios, comprising the steps of: receiving financial and retirement data from a customer; and providing a single graphical output illustrating the plurality of savings levels required to fund retirement, corresponding to a plurality of combinations of assumed retirement ages and assumed rates of return, applicable to the received financial and retirement data; wherein said step of providing is performed by a computer processor based on the received financial and retirement data; wherein said step of providing comprises providing a plurality of graphical outputs, at least one of the plurality of graphical outputs illustrating the plurality of rates of return and at least one of the plurality of graphical outputs illustrating the plurality of retirement ages.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 132 words

A computerized method for illustrating a plurality of savings levels required to fund a plurality of retirement scenarios, comprising the steps of: receiving financial and retirement data from a customer; and providing a single graphical output illustrating the plurality of savings levels required to fund retirement, corresponding to a plurality of combinations of assumed retirement ages and assumed rates of return, applicable to the received financial and retirement data; wherein said step of providing is performed by a computer processor based on the received financial and retirement data; wherein said step of providing comprises providing a plurality of graphical outputs, at least one of the plurality of graphical outputs illustrating the plurality of rates of return and at least one of the plurality of graphical outputs illustrating the plurality of retirement ages.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 123 words

A computerized method for illustrating a plurality of savings levels required to fund a plurality of retirement scenarios, comprising the steps of: receiving financial and retirement data from a customer; and providing a single graphical output illustrating the plurality of savings levels required to fund retirement, corresponding to a plurality of combinations of assumed retirement ages and assumed rates of return applicable to the received financial and retirement data; wherein said step of providing is performed by a computer processor based on the received financial and retirement data; wherein the plurality of rates of return comprise a low rate of return, a middle rate of return and a high rate of return, and wherein the graphical output highlights the middle rate of return.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 123 words

A computerized method for illustrating a plurality of savings levels required to fund a plurality of retirement scenarios, comprising the steps of: receiving financial and retirement data from a customer; and providing a single graphical output illustrating the plurality of savings levels required to fund retirement, corresponding to a plurality of combinations of assumed retirement ages and assumed rates of return applicable to the received financial and retirement data; wherein said step of providing is performed by a computer processor based on the received financial and retirement data; wherein the plurality of rates of return comprise a low rate of return, a middle rate of return and a high rate of return, and wherein the graphical output highlights the middle rate of return.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2003-01-03	2003-07-05	2004-01-04	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2007-01-03	2007-07-05	2008-01-04	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2011-01-03	2011-07-05	2012-01-04	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Computerized system and method used in financial planning

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