- Monthly savings
- The total amount that you could invest per month by spending less. This amount is calculated by adding up your potential entertainment, budget and utility savings.
- Annual rate of return
- This is the annually compounded rate of return you expect from your investments. The actual rate of return is largely dependent on the type of investments you select. From January 1970 to December 2007, the average compounded rate of return for the S&P 500, including reinvestment of dividends, was approximately 11.4% per year (source: www.standardandpoors.com). During this period, the highest 12-month return was 61%, and the lowest was -39%. Savings accounts at a bank may pay as little as 1% or less.
It is important to remember that future rates of return can't be predicted with certainty and that investments that pay higher rates of return are generally subject to higher risk and volatility. The actual rate of return on investments can vary widely over time, especially for long-term investments. This includes the potential loss of principal on your investment. It is not possible to invest directly in an index and the compounded rate of return noted above does not reflect sales charges and other fees that funds and/or investment companies may charge.
- Years to save
- The total number of years you plan to save.
- Federal tax rate
- The federal tax rate you expect to pay on your taxable investments.
- State tax rate
- The state tax rate you expect to pay on your taxable investments.
- Total savings before taxes
- Total value of your savings before taxes are taken into account. Most regular savings accounts and investment accounts are taxable. However, if your savings is being invested into a tax deferred or tax-free investment this total may be important to you.
- Total savings after taxes
- The total amount you would have accumulated in a taxable account. All taxes are assumed to be paid as your earnings accrue.
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