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Savings Goal Calculator
Pick a target — house deposit, emergency fund, FIRE number, kid's college — pick a deadline, and we'll solve for the monthly contribution required. Optionally apply real historical CAGR from any asset to project growth instead of zero-interest savings.
To reach $50,000 in 5 years, you need to save
$539.45/mo
That's $17.72/day or $124.58/week
With Investing
$539.45/mo
at 10.0% return
Cash Only
$750.00/mo
0% return (mattress)
Investing saves you $12,633 compared to saving in cash
Savings Progress
How the Savings Goal Calculator Works
Solving for monthly contribution
Given your target, your starting principal, your time horizon, and the assumed annual return, we solve the future value annuity formula in reverse for the monthly contribution required. Higher returns mean lower monthly need; longer horizon, same.
Frequently Asked Questions
What return rate should I assume?
Depends on horizon and risk tolerance. For short-term goals (<3 yrs), assume zero — you don't want stock-market risk on a house deposit. For 5–10 years, balanced portfolios have historically returned 5–7%. For 10+, broad equity has averaged 7–10% real. Toggle Realistic Returns to use the actual CAGR for any asset you'd hold the money in.
Should I save in cash or invest?
Rule of thumb: cash for goals under 3 years, mixed for 3–7, equity-heavy beyond. Inflation eats cash above 2–3 years.
What if I miss a month?
Try setting the target a bit higher than your minimum need to absorb missed months. Or rerun the calc periodically — adjusting the monthly amount to match remaining time.
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