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Savings goal calculator

Estimate a regular contribution or a target date from your own goal, cash-flow, timing, and return assumptions. Use the zero-interest comparison for a more conservative cash-goal view.

Step 1

Set your assumptions

Ready

These values stay in your browser and are not saved or sent anywhere. Results are estimates, not financial advice.

Goal and starting point

The amount you want at the goal date

Amount already set aside

Added at the start of the scenario

Choose what to solve

When this scenario begins

When the goal should be reached

Contribution and return

How often you add money

Beginning or end of each period

Use 0% for a cash comparison

How the return is applied

Inflates the goal amount over time

Method note: this tool follows the structure of the Investor.gov Savings Goal Calculator. Return and inflation inputs are user-entered estimates.

Step 2 / modeled estimate

Required regular contribution

$1,500.00

At monthly frequency · 2027-01-01

Goal at target date$20,000
Total contributions$18,000
Modeled interest$0

Frequency equivalents

These amounts keep the same modeled annual contribution total; actual cash-flow timing can change results.

Weekly$6,500
Every 2 weeks$3,250
Monthly$1,500
Quarterly$500
Annually$125

Milestones

Milestone dates use the selected estimate and final goal amount.

25% of goal$5,0002026-03-01
50% of goal$10,0002026-07-01
75% of goal$15,0002026-10-01
100% of goal$20,0002027-01-01

Zero-interest comparison

Interest is not guaranteed. This comparison isolates the contribution-only scenario.

Required contribution at 0%$1,500
Goal date at 0%Same target date
Time at 0%12 months
Read assumptions and limitations

The calculator treats the annual return as a nominal scenario rate compounded at the selected frequency, converts it to an equivalent contribution-period rate, and applies contributions at the selected beginning-or-end timing. A one-time deposit is added at the start.

Inflation increases the goal amount over time. The model is bounded at 100 years and does not include taxes, fees, withdrawals, changing rates, deposit limits, or account-specific rules. Investor.gov notes that calculators are estimates; this is not financial advice.

Read the Investor.gov savings goal calculator.

Savings goal questions

What does the savings goal calculator assume?

It models a user-entered annual return compounded at the selected frequency, with regular contributions at the selected beginning-or-end timing. Actual account rates, taxes, fees, deposits, and withdrawals can differ.

Why compare with zero interest?

Short-term cash goals may earn little or no interest, and returns are not guaranteed. The zero-interest comparison shows how much of the result comes from contributions rather than a projected return.

How should I use the inflation assumption?

Use it only as a scenario assumption for how the goal amount might change over time. It is not a forecast and does not account for changes in the items that make up your goal.