Retirement Calculator
Estimate your retirement savings with compound growth and regular contributions. See projected balance, total contributions and earnings.
Investment parameters
Initial amount10,000$
Monthly contribution500$
Annual return8% / year
Term240mo (20 yr)
Future value
343,778$
Total contributed
130,000$
Total earnings
213,778$
Growth vs. contributions
164.4%
Annual return (IRR)
8.3% / yr
FAQ
What is compound interest?
Compound interest means you earn returns not only on your original principal but also on previously earned interest. Formula: A = P · (1 + r/n)^(n·t). Over long periods this produces exponential growth.
How much do regular contributions matter?
A lot. Adding a fixed amount every month and reinvesting earnings dramatically increases the final value, especially over 20–30 years, because each contribution compounds for the remaining term.
What is the Rule of 72?
A quick estimate for doubling time: years ≈ 72 / annual return %. At 8% your money doubles in about 9 years; at 12%, in about 6 years.
What return rate should I assume?
Historically the S&P 500 has returned about 10% per year before inflation (around 7% after). Use a conservative figure for planning and remember that past performance does not guarantee future results.
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