Well, in the 737 you always have the absolutely fabulous tool of the green altitude range arc, which shows where you will reach the intended level. Additionally of course the VNAV deviation scale and, if equipped with it, the vertical situation display. All those are great tools to use in vertical navigation, provided of course that the aircraft is equipped with it (VSD) and that VNAV works correctly. But it is always good to use a backup of the times 3 table and times 5 (or easier: halve it then times 10) in your mind. In a simulator the installed equipment is usually just an option button away.
The point Eckhard raised is actually a very useful tool as well, the
VB/VS to a waypoint can help a lot with descent planning. Especially when expecting a large shortcut, where it can be used to adjust your profile to provide for that possibility.