Monthly investment growth
See how regular monthly investing might grow if you increase contributions each year.
See how regular monthly investing might grow over time.
Your Investing estimate
Your Investing is one piece of your retirement plan
You are here. Five more steps bring every piece together to answer the bigger question: will your money last as long as you do?
Your Investing is one piece of your retirement plan
Your InvestingPieces still to add
- Starting balance
- Monthly investment
- Years
Your retirement plan will also answer
- When can I and my spouse retire?
- How much should I save?
- When should I claim Social Security?
- Should I do Roth conversions?
- How much can I safely withdraw?
- Should I pay off debt first?
- Would my plan weather market ups and downs?
How it works · Your path to a full Finance plan
Investing
You are hereProjected $331K
Income
Current income plus Social Security, pensions and annuities
Expenses
Day-to-day living, healthcare premiums and planned future costs
Assets
Homes, properties, investments and savings
Non-mortgage debts
Car loans, credit cards and other balances
Annual savings and review
Confirm yearly savings, then see your full plan
Interpretation
Understand your results
Planning context for the estimates above. Not tax, legal, or investment advice.
Interpretation
Understand your results
Planning context for the estimates above. Not tax, legal, or investment advice.
Investing $500/month for 20 years at 8% annual return could grow to about $331,109.11.
Of that total, $130,000 came from your own contributions (starting balance + monthly contributions) and $201,109.11 came purely from investment returns — showing the power of compounding over time.
Methodology
How this calculator works
The rules and math behind this estimate.
Methodology
How this calculator works
The rules and math behind this estimate.
Returns are compounded monthly. Contributions are added at the end of each month. Taxes, fees, and market ups and downs are not included.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to common questions about this calculator.
How much can monthly investing grow?
Regular monthly investing adds up over time because you earn on past gains too. The longer you invest and the higher the return, the bigger the total — but returns are not guaranteed.
What is investing the same amount every month?
You put in a fixed amount on a schedule (often monthly). It builds a habit and spreads buys over time instead of guessing the best day to invest.
What is a yearly step-up?
You increase your monthly contribution each year — for example 5% more per year. That can match pay raises and grow your balance faster.
How does inflation affect results?
Inflation means future dollars buy less. Showing results in today's dollars helps you see whether you're on track for a real lifestyle goal.
Retirement is more than your money
Your retirement plan is one of five pillars Retirelens helps you plan.
Finance
Know where you stand and what to do next with your money.
Health
Stay on top of coverage, care and habits that keep you well.
Purpose
Shape days you look forward to, with steps to get there.
Connections
Strengthen relationships and build a support circle.
Legacy
Organize what matters and document so your family isn't left guessing.