Savings Goal Calculator
Turn any target (a house down payment, an emergency fund, a number by 40) into the exact monthly amount that gets you there.
This solves the compound-interest formula backwards: given a future value, a timeframe, and an expected annual return, it finds the monthly contribution C from C = (FV − P(1+i)ⁿ) · i / ((1+i)ⁿ − 1), where P is what you've already saved and i is the monthly rate. Growth on your existing savings does part of the work, so the required contribution is often smaller than the simple target-divided-by-months guess.
Frequently asked questions
What rate should I use for a short-term goal?
For goals under ~3 years, use a high-yield savings or money-market rate, since money you'll need soon shouldn't ride the stock market. For 10+ year goals, a diversified investment return assumption (5–8%) is more representative.
Why does the answer say I need $0 per month?
Your existing savings, compounded at the rate you entered for the full timeframe, already exceeds the target. Time and growth are doing all the work.
Should the emergency fund be part of this goal?
Most planners suggest keeping a 3–6 month emergency fund in cash separate from invested goals, so a market drop never forces you to sell at the worst time to cover a surprise.
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Calculators model hypothetical outcomes from the inputs you provide. They are informational only, not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice.