How much do I need to save each month?
Enter a savings goal and a timeframe to see the monthly amount you'd need to put aside — and how big a share of your salary that is.
Your result
Fill in the goal, years and return to see your result — it updates automatically.
Investment returns are assumptions, not guarantees, and can be negative. Taxes, fees and inflation are not modelled.
How it works
Enter a savings goal, what you've already saved, a timeframe, and an assumed annual investment return. The tool solves the standard future-value annuity formula for the required monthly contribution — and shows that number as a percentage of your entered salary, so you can judge how realistic the goal is.
Worked example
A $30,000 goal, starting from $0, over 5 years at a 5% assumed annual return, requires $441.14 per month. Against a $2,000 monthly salary, that's 22.1% of your income — the tool would flag anything above roughly 50% of salary as a realism warning.
FAQ
What if I already have some savings toward the goal?
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Enter it as your starting amount — the calculation subtracts its projected growth from what you still need to contribute.
What return rate should I assume?
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That's your call — this isn't investment advice. A lower, more conservative rate gives a more cautious (higher) required monthly figure; a higher assumed rate is optimistic and could understate what you actually need to save.
Why is there a warning at high percentages?
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If the required monthly amount exceeds about half your salary, the goal is likely unrealistic on the current timeframe — worth extending the timeline or adjusting the goal rather than assuming you'll find the money.
Limitations
Assumes a constant monthly contribution and constant annual return — real investment returns vary year to year, sometimes significantly. This is a planning tool, not a guarantee of investment performance.