Investment Calculator

Map your path to wealth. Project your future portfolio value and understand your real purchasing power after adjusting for inflation.

Investment Calculator

Portfolio Details

Define your starting principal and expected returns.

Investment Results

$705,372

Buying Power: $387,144

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Total Contributions$265,000
Total Growth (Earnings)$440,372

Nominal vs. Real Returns

insights The Inflation Impact

When planning for long-term goals like retirement, looking at the total dollar amount is only half the story. Inflation averages about 3% per year, meaning prices double roughly every 24 years. To see your true wealth, you must look at the Real Return.

Real Return ≈ Nominal Return - Inflation

Investing Principles

  • verified
    Equity ExposureStocks have historically been the best hedge against long-term inflation.
  • timer
    Compound TimeThe "last decade" of a 30-year investment plan usually creates more wealth than the first two decades combined.
  • warning
    Fee AwarenessEven a 1% annual fee can eat up nearly 25-30% of your total wealth over 30 years.

Built on Industry Standards

Our projection engine uses standard future value formulas for periodic deposits. Inflation adjustments follow the Fisher Equation methodology utilized by FINRA and the BLS.

*Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and estimating purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Actual returns, inflation, and tax impacts will vary based on your specific portfolio and economic conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Nominal and Real return?expand_more

Nominal Return is the total percentage gain on your investment. Real Return is your gain after adjusting for inflation. If you earn 7% but inflation is 3%, your real return (buying power growth) is 4%.

Source: Investopedia
Why should I adjust for inflation?expand_more

Inflation reduces what a dollar can buy over time. A $1,000,000 portfolio in 30 years will not buy the same lifestyle as $1,000,000 today. Adjusting for inflation helps you see your future "buying power" in today's dollars.

What is a realistic stock market return?expand_more

Historically, the S&P 500 has averaged about 10% annually before inflation. After inflation, the real return is closer to 7%. Most long-term planners use 6-8% as a conservative nominal estimate.

Source: FINRA
How does compounding frequency affect returns?expand_more

The more often interest is compounded (daily vs. monthly vs. annually), the faster your money grows. Most brokerage accounts and stocks "compound" effectively daily as prices fluctuate and dividends are reinvested.

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We constantly seek to improve our tools. If you faced a bug, an incorrect calculation, or have a feature request, please let us know! Send us an email and we will review and reply within 48 hours.

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