Compound growth calculator
See how much of your future balance comes from your deposits and how much comes from growth.
Learn the idea
Pay yourself firstSave on payday, then spend what is left.How interest worksThe price of money, earned or paid.APY vs APRAPY for what you earn, APR for what you pay.Certificates of depositA locked rate for money with a known date.I bondsInflation-linked savings bonds with a 1-year lock.What is investingSaving is for soon. Investing is for years away.Compound interestGrowth on your growth, given time.Stocks vs bondsOwnership that swings vs loans that steady.Index fundsOne purchase, hundreds of companies, tiny fees.ETFsA whole basket of investments that trades like one stock.Expense ratiosThe quiet yearly fee that compounds against you.What is a 401(k)Retirement savings straight from your paycheck.401(k) matchContribute enough to collect every matched dollar.What is an IRAA retirement account you open on your own.Roth vs traditionalPay tax now or later on retirement money.401(k) rolloverMove it by direct rollover. Don't cash it out.Start investingCushion, debt, match, IRA, then more.Brokerage accountInvesting with no limits, and tax every year.Asset allocationYour split between stocks, bonds and cash.Dollar-cost averagingSame amount, every month, whatever the market does.DividendsProfit paid to owners, usually every 3 months.When stocks dropKeep investing, don't panic-sell, and check your timeline.Choosing an adviserFiduciary, clear fees, clean record.Health savings accountTax-free money for medical bills, now or later.529 plansTax-free growth for school costs.
Investing each month: worked answers
Put this calculator on your site
Free for blogs, schools, credit unions and HR pages. Copy this code:
General education, not personalized financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are examples. Check current rates and limits before you act.
Get your money plan by email
One step each morning: what to do, why it comes in that order, and one small thing to try. About 5 minutes. Then one short note a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.