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Targeted savings

Work backward from the amount you want and the date you want it, to the contribution that gets you there.

By the SterlingCat editorial team · Last updated 2026-08-02 · Calculated in your browser

The key points

  • The required contribution is solved so the balance—plus its modeled return—lands on the goal exactly at the end of the term.
  • A higher expected return lowers the contribution, but it is a constant scenario assumption, not a promised or guaranteed rate.
  • A starting balance shrinks the contribution the most in the early years, because it compounds for the whole term.

Your savings goal

Enter the goal, what you have, and the term

$
$
%
years

Illustrative starting values—not a rate quote or return forecast. Replace the return with your own assumption.

To reach your goal on time

Set aside

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Total you contribute
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Compounding adds
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Projected balance
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The return stays constant for the whole term. Taxes, fees, and variable returns are excluded.

Balance and contributions over time

Projected balanceContributions

Year-by-year values
YearContributedReturnBalance

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How we calculate this

The annual return is treated as an effective annual yield and converted to the equivalent per-period rate for your contribution frequency. The model then solves the future-value-of-a-series formula for the level contribution that grows your starting balance to the goal over the term.

What the return assumption means

The return is a constant scenario input, not a forecast. A high-yield savings account and a diversified investment carry very different risk and variability; a variable return will not follow the smooth line shown here. Use a conservative figure for the account or investment you have in mind.

Interpreting the result

Reaching the goal depends on making every contribution on schedule and earning the assumed return. If either changes, revisit the plan. The projection excludes taxes, account fees, and inflation—the goal is stated in today's dollars.

Sources

Grounded in authoritative primary sources:

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