Sources and assumptions

Last updated: 2026-08-14

Vicaya separates calculator math from real-world decisions. The site can model a scenario, but it cannot know every lender rule, employer benefit, local tax, insurance detail, or personal filing fact that may affect the real answer.

Mortgage and loan assumptions

Loan pages generally assume the rate and payment timing entered by the user. Fixed-rate repayment pages use amortization schedules. Taxes, insurance, HOA charges, points, closing costs, and extra payments are included only when the page asks for them and the user enters them.

Paycheck assumptions

Paycheck pages model federal withholding, FICA, deductions, and supported state or local coverage as an estimate. Employer-specific benefit rules, worker classification, local tax exceptions, garnishments, and payroll-provider settings may change a real paycheck.

Investment and retirement assumptions

Investment pages use the entered return, contribution pattern, time horizon, tax, fee, and inflation assumptions. They do not forecast markets and do not recommend any security, account, or allocation.

How to read an estimate

Treat each result as a planning number. Use it to understand sensitivity and tradeoffs, then check final figures with official forms, statements, lenders, payroll providers, or licensed professionals.

For payroll-specific entry points, open the paycheck tools hub. For broader planning, start from the calculator directory.