Goal-Based Savings Planner

What Do I Need to Save?

Set a goal, see exactly what it takes to get there — then explore the tradeoffs in real time.

Your Goal

$
6%
10 yrs
$610

Auto-set to reach your goal

Target Amount

$100,000

Monthly Needed

$610

You'll Contribute

$73,225

Interest For You

$26,775

Growth Trajectory

Contributions Interest
Yr 0Yr 1Yr 2Yr 3Yr 4Yr 5Yr 6Yr 7Yr 8Yr 9Yr 10025K50K75K100KGoal 100K

Keep going 5 more years

$177,459

at the same $610/mo for 15 years

Keep going 10 more years

$281,940

at the same $610/mo for 20 years

Lock in a guaranteed rate

Fixed annuities offer guaranteed rates up to 5.55% APY — tax-deferred, principal protected.

See Today's Rates

How the savings goal math works

The calculator solves for the monthly contribution needed to reach a target balance, using the future value of an ordinary annuity formula:

Monthly = (Target × r) ÷ ((1 + r)N − 1)

where r is the monthly interest rate (annual rate ÷ 12) and N is the total number of months. The chart stacks your contributions (teal) against the interest your money earns (amber), so you can see exactly how much of the final balance comes from each.

In debt mode, the calculator uses daily compounding — the method most credit card issuers apply — to compute the payoff timeline and total interest. The formula: monthly rate = (1 + APR ÷ 365)30.4167 − 1, then months = −ln(1 − (monthly rate × balance) ÷ payment) ÷ ln(1 + monthly rate).

Common Questions

How much do I need to save per month to reach my goal?

The exact amount depends on three things: your target, your expected interest rate, and your time horizon. The formula is Monthly = (Target × monthly rate) ÷ ((1 + monthly rate)^N − 1), where N is the number of months. This calculator runs that formula live — move the sliders and the Monthly Needed card updates instantly.

How long will it take to save $100,000?

It depends on your monthly contribution and the rate you earn. At 6% APY contributing about $610 per month, you reach $100,000 in roughly 10 years. At a higher rate or a larger contribution, you get there faster — use the sliders to test your own numbers.

What interest rate should I use?

For a guaranteed rate, today's fixed annuities (MYGAs) pay up to around 5.5% APY. A high-yield savings account might pay 4–5%. The stock market has averaged roughly 7–10% historically, but that comes with risk and volatility. This calculator lets you model any rate so you can compare scenarios.

How does the debt payoff mode work?

Enter your current balance, your APR (the credit card default is 21.9%), and your monthly payment. The calculator uses daily compounding — the standard method credit card issuers use — to show how many months it takes to pay off the balance and how much interest you pay over that time. If your payment doesn't cover the monthly interest, the calculator warns you that the balance will never reach zero.

What is the Rule of 72?

The Rule of 72 is a quick mental-math shortcut: divide 72 by your annual interest rate to estimate how many years it takes for money to double. At 6%, money doubles in about 12 years. At 8%, about 9 years. The calculator marks the doubling point on your growth chart.

Should I save or pay off debt first?

As a general rule, pay off high-interest debt first. A credit card at 21.9% APR costs you far more than you'd earn on almost any savings or investment. Once the debt is gone, redirect that same monthly payment into savings and watch it compound in your favor instead of the card issuer's. This calculator lets you model both sides of that tradeoff.

This calculator is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Actual annuity rates, investment returns, and loan terms vary. Consult a licensed professional for personalized guidance.

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