Useful next calculations
When to use this calculator
- Before choosing between saving, investing or changing a contribution.
- When you want to compare cautious, base and optimistic return assumptions.
- When you need a projection before making a longer-term decision.
- When you want to see whether starting earlier or contributing more changes the outcome more.
A worked example
These are the example figures the calculator opens with.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Regular Payment ($) | $500 |
| Annual Interest Rate (%) | 5% |
| Years | 20 |
| Type (0=Ordinary, 1=Due) | 0 |
For those figures the calculator returns:
- Present Value: $75,762.66
- Future Value: $205,516.83
- Total Paid: $120,000.00
- Monthly Payment: $500.00
Common mistakes
- Using an assumption that is not supported by a current local quote, bill, statement or official source.
- Treating a generic estimate as a lender, provider, payroll or tax authority decision.
- Mixing monthly and annual inputs without converting them consistently.
- Testing only one scenario instead of checking how a cautious assumption changes the result.
What to do next
- Run a second scenario with a cautious assumption so you can see the downside clearly.
- Compare the result with the related calculators below before making a decision.
- Check current local rules, eligibility and provider terms before applying or committing money.
- Keep a record of the assumptions so you can update the estimate when a quote, bill or pay figure changes.
Questions people ask
An ordinary annuity makes payments at the end of each period, while an annuity due makes payments at the beginning. An annuity due is worth slightly more because payments are received earlier.