The monthly amount that gets you from here to your target.
Monthly saving needed
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Total you will contribute
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Growth from returns
Where the goal comes from
A projection at a constant return rate, not a forecast — real returns vary and can be negative. This is not investment advice.
How this works
Future value of what you already have = Current savings × (1 + monthly rate)^months
Monthly saving needed = (Goal − that future value) ÷ [ ((1 + monthly rate)^months − 1) ÷ monthly rate × (1 + monthly rate) ]
Starting sooner matters more than saving more — the same monthly amount reaches further with more months for returns to compound.
A 0% return rate is a safe, conservative planning assumption for cash savings; use a higher rate only for money that is actually invested.
If your current savings alone will grow to the goal without any further contributions, the monthly amount needed is zero.
Currency
Amounts follow the currency selected above.
What return rate should I use?
For a cash savings account, 0-4% is realistic. For a diversified investment portfolio over a long enough timeframe, 5-8% is a commonly used conservative planning assumption — never plan around your best-case year.
What if I already have enough saved to hit the goal without contributing more?
The calculator shows a monthly amount of zero in that case — your current savings, left to grow at the return rate you entered, are projected to reach the goal on their own.
Does this account for inflation?
No — the goal amount and return rate are both treated in today's terms. If your goal needs to keep pace with rising prices, use a higher target amount or check the inflation calculator first.
What if the monthly amount is more than I can save?
Try a longer timeframe — stretching the same goal over more years lowers the monthly figure needed, since there is more time for both contributions and compounding to add up. Adjust the "Time to reach it" field above and recalculate.