Investment Calculator
Guide to the Investment Calculator
This calculator helps you forecast the future value of your investments. Below is a breakdown of each input field:
Starting Amount
The initial amount of money you are investing, also known as the principal. This is the foundation of your investment.
Additional Contribution
The amount you plan to add to your investment on a regular basis (e.g., monthly). Consistent contributions can significantly boost your investment's growth over time.
Annual Interest Rate (Return)
The expected annual rate of return on your investment. This is an estimate, as actual returns can vary. It's often helpful to use a conservative long-term average for your chosen investment type (e.g., 7-10% for stock market index funds).
Compounding Frequency
How often the interest is calculated and added to your principal. More frequent compounding (like daily) leads to slightly higher returns than less frequent compounding (like annually) due to the effect of earning interest on previously earned interest.