Inputs
Read Time vs Money, then enter balances, contribution dates, horizon, and fee % from your statement to model time and savings. If the curve looks wrong, check compounding frequency and whether contributions are beginning or end of period.
One at a time
After each run, change only one input. For time and savings, the input that moves the ending balance the most is the one to verify or research further.
Deliberate tweak
Raise the annual fee by 0.2% for twenty years; if the goal is missed, fees were a larger lever than small differences in last year’s performance.
Signal
Inputs saved Largest swing
From your statement
Core lesson
Related: Time vs Money. Use the calculator with your own numbers when the example is not close to your case.
Use the calculator
FAQ
- Where is the main lesson?
Time vs Money is the hub with related lessons linked from it.
- Which calculator should I open first?
Use Investment growth or Lump sum growth for long horizons; Savings goal for targets; Debt payoff when comparing to loans.