How much should I save to reach my goal?

What are you saving for: a computer, car, boat, summer home, down payment? Use this calculator to determine what you need to save on a regular basis to have the funds ready when needed.

Savings

Current savings balance ?

What you already have set aside toward this goal.

Future amount desired ?

The total you want to have by the target date.

Number of years until needed ?

How long you have to save before you need the money.

Advanced options 1

Annual increase on recommended savings ?

How much you plan to raise your contribution each year, for example to keep pace with a rising income.

Assumptions

Before-tax return on savings ?

The annual growth rate you expect on this money before taxes.

Table of Historic Rates of Return. Inflation 2.9%, U.S. Treasury Bills 3.3%, Long-term Government Bonds 5.0%, U.S. Large-Company Stocks 10.4%, and U.S. Small-Company Stocks 11.8%. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Source: Ibbotson SBBI 1926-2024

Advanced options 1

Marginal tax bracket * ?

The tax rate applied to investment earnings each year, if the account is not tax-sheltered.

Table of Federal Income Brackets and Rates. Tax Rate For Single Filers For Married Individuals Filing Joint Returns For Heads of Households 10% $0 to $11,925 $0 to $23,850 $0 to $17,000 12% $11,925 to $48,475 $23,850 to $96,950 $17,000 to $64,850 22% $48,475 to $103,350 $96,950 to $206,700 $64,850 to $103,350 24% $103,350 to $197,300 $206,700 to $394,600 $103,350 to $197,300 32% $197,300 to $250,525 $394,600 to $501,050 $197,300 to $250,500 35% $250,525 to $626,350 $501,050 to $751,600 $250,500 to $626,350 37% $626,350 or more $751,600 or more $626,350 or more.

Enter your values and select Calculate.

The annual contribution figure above is what you would need to save in the first year to reach your target, assuming you increase that amount each year at the rate you chose and your money grows at the before-tax return you entered, less taxes along the way. It is a starting point, not a fixed rule — the actual amount you save can shift year to year as your income, expenses, and goals change.

Two inputs move this number the most: the number of years until you need the money, and the before-tax return you expect. A longer time horizon or a higher return both reduce how much you need to set aside each year, since more of the goal gets filled by growth rather than new contributions. The tax bracket matters too — it quietly reduces how much of that growth you actually keep, especially in a taxable account.

This calculator does not account for inflation eating into the future amount needed, for changes in your tax bracket over time, for fees on investment accounts, or for the year-to-year variation that real markets produce around an average return. Treat the yearly balance projection in the table as one steady path among many possible ones, not a forecast.

It is worth revisiting this calculation whenever something material changes — a raise, a new goal amount, a shift in how your savings are invested, or simply once a year as a check-in. Having a number to aim for, even an approximate one, puts you ahead of not having one at all, and adjusting your contribution even modestly now can make a real difference by the time you reach your goal.

This information may help you analyze your financial needs. It is based on information and assumptions provided by you regarding your goals, expectations and financial situation. The calculations do not infer that the company assumes any fiduciary duties. The calculations provided should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice. In addition, such information should not be relied upon as the only source of information. This information is supplied from sources we believe to be reliable but we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Hypothetical illustrations may provide historical or current performance information. Past performance does not guarantee nor indicate future results.