What it's for
This calculator helps you plan goals with a fixed deadline — a trip, a down payment, a wedding or any objective with a specific amount and date. It calculates how much you need to deposit every month, factoring in what you've already saved and the expected investment return.
How the calculation works
The amount already saved is projected forward to the target date using compound interest. The gap between the goal and that projected value is divided using the future-value-of-an-annuity formula, solving for the deposit: Deposit = (Goal − Projected current value) × i / [(1+i)ⁿ − 1], where i is the monthly rate and n is the number of months until the target date.
Practical tip
The earlier you start and the higher the return of your chosen investment, the smaller your required monthly deposit will be. For short-term goals (under 2 years), prefer low-risk, highly liquid investments, since the money may be needed soon.
Frequently asked questions
What investment should I use for a goal with a set date?
For short and medium-term goals, prefer low-risk, liquid investments like high-yield savings accounts or short-term bonds, avoiding volatile assets that could lose value near your target date.
What if I can't deposit the suggested amount?
You can extend the timeline, reduce the target amount, or look for a slightly higher return — always weighing the risk involved.
Does the calculator account for inflation?
Not directly. If you want to account for lost purchasing power, use a "real" return rate (already adjusted for expected inflation) in the return field.
Can I use this calculator for a trip or a down payment?
Yes, that's exactly the kind of goal with a fixed amount and deadline this calculator was designed for.