Investment Calculator: See How Your Money Grows Over Time
How much could your money grow if you keep investing and adding to it over time?
This calculator can help you estimate how much your initial investment could grow given the rate of return you’re seeking, additional investments you make, and the length of time you have to retirement.
In 15 years, your investments would be worth
About $0 in today's purchasing power
How initial investment, contributions, and interest earned add up.
Track how your investment grows over time.
| Year | Contributions | Interest Earned | Ending balance |
|---|
Calculation Methodology: This calculator estimates how your money may grow using your initial investment, recurring contributions, expected rate of return, selected contribution frequency, selected compounding frequency, and years to grow. If you want a slightly cleaner version: It calculates projected year-by-year growth by combining interest earned on your initial investment and additional contributions. Final results include estimated ending balance, total contributions, and Interest Earned. If you enter an inflation rate, the calculator also shows an inflation-adjusted estimate in today’s purchasing power.
Note: These projections are hypothetical and provided for illustrative purposes only. They do not represent actual or guaranteed investment results. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal.
How to Use the Investment Calculator
You can adjust each field to match your goals and test different scenarios.
Initial Investment
Enter the amount of money you plan to invest today. This is your starting principal and the base amount your returns build on over time. If you’re not investing an upfront amount right now, you can enter $0.
Additional Contribution
Enter the amount of money you plan to invest today. This is your starting principal and the base amount your returns build on over time. If you’re not investing an upfront amount right now, you can enter $0.
Contribution Frequency
Select how often you will make contributions — weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. This setting determines how many times your contribution amount is added each year and can materially impact long-term projections.
Years to Grow
Enter how many years you plan to keep this money invested. Longer time horizons generally increase the impact of compounding and can significantly change projected outcomes.
Rate of Return
Enter your expected rate of return as a percentage. This is an estimate based on your assumptions and is one of the most important drivers of long-term growth.
Compounding
Choose how frequently your returns are compounded (daily, monthly, or annually). More frequent compounding can increase projected growth over long periods.
Inflation Rate (Optional)
Enter an estimated inflation rate to view purchasing-power-adjusted results. This helps you compare projected future value with what that amount may be worth in today’s dollars. If you prefer nominal projections only, leave this at 0.
Chart, Table, and Export
Use Chart view to visualize growth trends and composition over time. Use Table view for detailed year-by-year values, including contributions, interest earned, and ending balance. Use Export to download your projection as a CSV file
Compare Online Brokerages
The best brokers make it possible to invest in various financial products, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds. Shop and compare online brokerages and robo-advisors to find the lowest fees and opening balances.
How Will Your Investments Grow?
While all investments are different, and there are no guarantees, the following chart illustrates the profound way your money can grow over time when you invest and reap the rewards of compound interest.
It’s Not Too Late to Adjust Your Investment Accounts
If your results fall outside your initial expectations, addressing potential shortfalls in your retirement planning is essential. This realization presents an opportunity to secure your financial future proactively. Here are some practical steps to consider:
Revise Your Budget
Review your current budget and identify areas where you can increase your savings. Adjusting your spending habits to allocate more toward retirement can help bridge the gap.
Reduce Retirement Expenses
Evaluate your retirement lifestyle and consider making adjustments to reduce your expected retirement expenses. Cutting back on non-essential expenditures can alleviate financial strain.
Meet with a Financial Advisor
Consulting with a financial advisor can provide valuable insights and tailored strategies for optimizing retirement savings. They can help you develop a comprehensive financial plan and investment strategy.
Diversify Your Investments
Consider diversifying your investment portfolio to potentially enhance returns while managing risk. A well-balanced investment approach can lead to more favorable outcomes.
Increase Income
Explore opportunities to boost your income, such as working part-time or pursuing a side business. Additional income sources can supplement your retirement savings.
Debt Management
Reducing and managing debt can free up more funds for retirement savings. Prioritize paying down high-interest debts to achieve financial flexibility.
Asset Liquidation
Evaluate the possibility of selling non-essential assets or downsizing your home to release equity directed towards retirement savings.
Educate Yourself
Take the initiative to learn more about retirement planning, investment options, and financial strategies. Knowledge is a valuable tool in securing your financial future.
These steps allow you to adapt to unexpected shortfalls and actively work toward a more financially secure retirement. Remember, there is always time to make positive changes to your financial plan and ensure a comfortable retirement.
INSIGHTS
“Even though the average life expectancy at age 65 is 19.4 years, 37.2% of survey respondents age 65 or older reported that their retirement savings would last ten years or less at their current rate of spending. This includes 19.4% who project their savings to run out in five years or less.”
Richard Barrington, Senior Financial Analyst
Now that you have a clearer picture of how your funds can be expected to grow, you may want to create a more detailed plan. That’s easier to do when you work with a financial advisor.