Tulnest

Savings Goal Calculator

Two modes: how much to save monthly to reach a goal in N years, or how long it'll take given a fixed monthly contribution. Accounts for compound growth.

%
Required monthly contribution
640.87
Over 5 years at 5% annual return.
Total contributed
38,452.33
Interest earned
6,547.67

Two questions, one calculator. Either: I want $X by Y years from now — how much should I save monthly?; or: I can save $X per month — how long until I hit my goal?. Toggle the mode tab to switch between them.

Both modes account for compound growth at your assumed annual return rate, plus any savings you already have. Set the return to 0% if you're budgeting for cash savings without growth.

How to use

  1. Pick the question you're answering: How much per month? or How long will it take?
  2. Enter the savings goal and your current savings.
  3. Enter your expected annual return — use 0% for plain cash savings, 4–6% for conservative balanced investments, 7–10% for stock-heavy portfolios over long horizons.
  4. Enter either the time horizon (mode 1) or the monthly amount you can commit (mode 2).
  5. Read the answer plus a breakdown of how much is your contributions vs. interest earned.

Frequently asked questions

Should I include my current savings?
Yes. Current savings keep growing at your assumed return rate, which reduces the amount you need to add each month.
What return rate makes sense?
Use 0% if you're saving in cash or a non-interest-bearing account. 4–6% is reasonable for conservative balanced investments. 7–10% is the long-run historical average for stock-heavy portfolios — but only realistic over multi-year horizons.
What does "Never (with these inputs)" mean?
If your monthly contribution plus growth on existing savings can never reach the goal, the time-to-goal answer is infinite. Either increase the monthly amount, increase the assumed return, or check the goal isn't smaller than what your current savings already are.

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