Recurring savings growth scenario
Compound savings and recurring contribution planner
Model an initial balance plus recurring contributions with your chosen frequency, return assumption, and annual fee assumption.
Model the future value of an initial deposit plus equal recurring contributions. Choose the contribution and compounding frequency, and enter an annual return assumption and annual fee assumption. Results are scenarios, not a promise of growth.
Enter assumptions to see the modeled ending balance and yearly summary.
Model and formula
For each period, the model applies the entered nominal annual return and annual fee as separate rates to the opening balance, then adds the contribution at period end: Bk = Bk−1 × (1 + (R − F) ÷ m) + C. Here R is the annual return assumption, F is the annual fee assumption, m is periods per year, and C is the contribution per period. Total contributions include the starting balance and all later deposits. The fee estimate is the sum of each period's opening balance multiplied by F ÷ m.
This recurring-deposit model follows the inputs available in the SEC Investor.gov Compound Interest Calculator, which accepts an initial investment, monthly contribution, estimated annual rate, time, and compounding frequency. This page also lets you choose annual, quarterly, or monthly deposits and includes a simplified fee assumption. Source checked November 3, 2026.
The annual return is user-entered and held constant; it is not an expected or guaranteed investment return. Fees are modeled as a percentage of each period's opening balance and reduce the return assumption; real fee schedules and timing may differ. Taxes, inflation, variable returns, withdrawals, contribution increases, and investment risk are not modeled. This is a mathematical illustration, not investment advice. Consider testing lower and higher return assumptions and review actual product fees and terms.
Related savings tools
For a CD deposit and APY without recurring contributions, use the CD maturity calculator. For the monthly amount needed to reach a chosen goal, use the savings goal contribution calculator. To compare a starting balance without recurring deposits, use the simple and compound interest calculator. For a target based on expenses and a coverage period you choose, see the emergency fund scenario calculator.
How it works
Enter a starting balance, contribution amount, whole-year time horizon, annual return and fee assumptions, and annual, quarterly, or monthly contribution frequency. Contributions are made at each period end; the return and fee are applied to the opening balance each period.
Good to know
How does the recurring-contribution formula work?
Each period applies the annual return divided by periods per year, subtracts the annual fee divided by periods per year, and then adds the contribution at period end. The calculator simulates each period and sums the modeled fee amounts.
Does this predict investment returns?
No. The annual return is an assumption held constant for illustration. Actual returns vary, and fees, taxes, timing, and product rules can differ. The result is not a forecast or investment advice.
How are fees included?
The fee input is treated as an annual percentage of the opening balance, divided evenly across the selected periods. This simplified model subtracts the fee rate from the return rate each period; actual fee schedules may work differently.
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