Future Value
$0
After 0 years
Calculate the future value of your investments with compound interest. See how your money can grow over time with regular contributions and the power of compounding.
| Year | Starting Balance | Annual Contribution | Interest Earned | Ending Balance |
|---|
10 years of delay costs over $280,000 in this example, even though the total invested differs by only $24,000. Time in the market beats timing the market!
Time is your greatest asset. Even small amounts compound significantly over decades.
Regular monthly contributions through dollar-cost averaging reduce risk and build wealth.
Spread investments across different asset classes to reduce risk and optimize returns.
Low-cost index funds often outperform actively managed funds after fees.
Automatically reinvesting dividends accelerates compound growth substantially.
Avoid emotional decisions during market volatility. Long-term investors are rewarded.
Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. These are historical averages and actual returns may vary significantly.
Compound interest is interest calculated on both the initial principal and the accumulated interest from previous periods. It's essentially "interest on interest," which makes your money grow exponentially rather than linearly.
More frequent compounding leads to slightly higher returns. Daily compounding will yield more than annual compounding for the same rate. However, the difference is usually small for typical investment rates.
For a diversified stock portfolio, 7-10% is historically reasonable. Conservative investments like bonds may return 3-5%. Always plan with multiple scenarios and remember that returns fluctuate year to year.
Yes! Inflation reduces purchasing power over time. A 7% return with 3% inflation gives you roughly 4% real return. Our calculator's advanced options let you see inflation-adjusted values.
A common guideline is to save/invest 15-20% of your income. Start with whatever you can afford consistently, even if it's small. You can increase contributions as your income grows.
This calculator shows pre-tax returns. Tax-advantaged accounts (401k, IRA, Roth IRA) can help reduce tax impact. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.