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Even a small difference in the interest you are paid on your savings can
add up over time. Use this calculator to see how different savings rates can impact your savings strategy! This calculator can also show you how deposits at the start of each month, compared to the end of the month, can impact your savings balance.
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Definitions
- Starting amount
- The starting balance or current amount you have invested or saved. If you haven't started saving yet, set the amount to "$0".
- Additional contributions
- The amount that you plan on adding to your savings or investment regularly.
- Years
- The total number of years you are planning to save or invest.
- Annual percentage yield (APY)
- The annual rate of return for each savings account. The actual rate of return is largely dependent on the type of investments you select. For example, from December 2000 to December 2010, the annual compounded rate of return for the S&P 500 was 0.899%, including reinvestment of dividends. From January 1970 to December 2010, the average annual compounded rate of return for the S&P 500, including reinvestment of dividends, was approximately 10.05% (source: www.standardandpoors.com). Since 1970, the highest 12-month return was 61% (June 1982 through June 1983). The lowest 12-month return was -43% (March 2008 to March 2009). Savings accounts at a bank may pay as little as 1% or less but carry significantly lower risk of loss of principal balances.
It is important to remember that these scenarios are hypothetical and that future rates of return can't be predicted with certainty and that investments that pay higher rates of return are generally subject to higher risk and volatility. The actual rate of return on investments can vary widely over time, especially for long-term investments. This includes the potential loss of principal on your investment. It is not possible to invest directly in an index and the compounded rate of return noted above does not reflect sales charges and other fees that funds and/or investment companies may charge.
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