What software do you recommend for Financial planning?

What formula should be used to ascertain if your investments will hold out and how much to budget for Financial?

There are many on-line calculators that can help you with this. In the August 2007 issue of Kiplinger's recommends that you use one that is based on a Monte Carlo simulator. They reviewed 5 different ones. I've used the ones at Financial Engines and MoneyChimp and found them very helpful. As the name implies a Monte Carlo simulator, does not give you a fixed answer but rather it gives your odds of success and, in the case of MoneyChimp, shows a graph of the number of years into Financial your IRA/401/etc should last. MoneyChimp also explains, in more detail than most of us would want to know, why a Monte Carlo simulator is required and how it works. These details are likely only useful to those with higher mathematical interest.

Where do I start to learn about investments and Financial planning?
Is there a good website with explanations on terms such as mutual fund, bonds, equities...that also explains how to get started? I need help understanding person finance and investments. Any useful advice appreciated. Personal finance, I meant!

I always like wikipedia they usually have good tips and are known by many to be the cheapest* method. *They basically charge a $7 flat rate to buy and sell with no annual rates or commision profits. I have used them for years with no problems.