Early Savings Calculator

It can be tempting to live completely in the moment, but springing for that new car or a spur-of-the-moment vacation package could cost you an incredible amount of money in the long run. Use this Savings Delay calculator to compare your savings up to 45 years in the future, and see how even small contributions made over time can affect your savings.

Fill out the information below for an insightful visual guide mapping your saving journey from start to finish, and save a little extra this month by checking out Savings.com coupons from hundreds of top retail brands.

Calculator Terms

Savings

Initial Balance or Deposit

The amount of money in dollars that you’ve already saved (including investments). This calculator assumes an annual rate of return, whether you’ve chosen to delay your contributions or not.

Annual Savings Amount

The amount of money in dollars that you’re planning to put toward savings or investments annually.

Annual Increase in Contributions

A percentage between 0% and 10% that you plan to increase your contributions each year.

Number of Years for the Analysis

The total period in years that you’re planning to save. This calculator allows for up to 30 years of projected savings.

Assumptions

Before-Tax Return on Savings

A percentage between -12% and 12% that represents the expected rate of annual return on your investments or savings account. This number is an estimate and will vary significantly, depending on which types of investments you’re involved in. The average annual compounded rate of return over 10 years prior to December 31, 2022 is 13.6% according to the Standard & Poor 500 (S&P 500), including reinvestment of dividends. Returns during that period reached as high as 61% between June 1982 and June 1983 and as low as -43% in March 2008 to March 2009.

All projections provided by this calculator are completely hypothetical; while we do our best to offer the most accurate financial information available based on previous data, it’s impossible to fully predict future market conditions. Projections do not constitute financial advice of any kind. All investments carry a level of risk, including the risk of complete loss on investment. We recommend consulting a financial advisor before deciding on an investment strategy.

>> Additional resources: Net Worth Calculator

Taking Advantage of Early Savings

Now that you can track the impact a few extra dollars can make over time, here are some helpful tips to keep moving toward financial stability:

• Make some room: Whether you’ve decided to contribute to your nest egg every month or every year, it’s important to plan how you’ll stay consistent while staying on top of everyday expenses. Make a budget in order to track your must-haves like groceries, and make your contributions a part of that plan. Budgeting will help you manage expenses on extras like entertainment so you’ve got the financial space to keep saving.
• Cut back: Find creative ways to save the money you need each month to stay on track — whether that means holding off on the year’s latest tech deals or snipping a subscription or two, it’s surprisingly easy to save with a few minor changes. Check out our Vice Savings Calculator to see how much room one less coffee a week can net you over the course of a year.
• Set a specific goal: Just because you’re saving doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your life a little! If you’re the type that needs milestones along the way to a goal, consider setting up checkpoints at certain times in your journey to let loose a little. Celebrate by attending a concert when you reach your goal, or find a small way to reward your hard work. For even more help setting these goals, check out our Savings Goal Calculator.