How compound growth works
Each month the calculator adds the return earned on your current balance, then adds your monthly contribution. Because returns are earned on previous returns as well, growth speeds up over time, which is why starting early matters more than the amount you start with.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between saving and investing?
Plain saving (cash or a zero-return account) grows only by what you add. Investing aims for a return, which can grow your money faster, but returns are not guaranteed and can be negative in some years.
Should I enter a return rate if I only save cash?
No. Enter 0, and the result will simply be your starting amount plus all your monthly contributions.