Enter an initial amount, monthly contribution, expected annual return, and years to project the future value.
Building wealth with regular contributions
Most people do not build large balances with a single deposit; they do it by investing a steady amount every month and letting it compound for years. This calculator models exactly that, combining a starting balance, a monthly contribution, and an assumed annual return.
The striking part is the shift over time between what you contribute and what growth adds. In the early years your own deposits dominate the balance, but given enough time the investment returns can grow to exceed everything you ever put in. The figures are nominal projections at a constant rate, before tax and inflation, so treat the assumed return conservatively.
The formula
Worked example
Starting with 1,000, adding 200 a month at 7% for 20 years grows to roughly 108,000, of which about 49,000 is your contributions.
How to read your result
Regular contributions plus compounding are how ordinary savers build large balances. The split between what you put in and what growth adds shifts dramatically toward growth the longer you stay invested.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the return guaranteed?
- No. Real returns vary year to year; this is a projection using a constant assumed rate.
- Does it account for inflation or tax?
- No, the figures are nominal and before tax.
- What return should I assume?
- Use a conservative long-run figure appropriate to your investments; do not over-optimize the rate.
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