04 / Scenario matrix

Change the return assumption and every cell moves

Choose an assumed annual return, then read across for monthly contribution levels and down for time horizon. Each figure illustrates how regular contributions and assumed investment returns may affect long-term savings. It is an educational projection, not a forecast.

Assumed annual return

$500 a month at 4.0% for 30 years: $347,020 projected, $13,881 a year at 4%.

Projected balance by monthly contribution and horizon, with estimated annual retirement income beneath each figure.
Monthly 10 years1 20 years1 30 years1
$250 $36,810 $91,690 $173,510
$500 $73,620 $183,380 $347,020
$750 $110,430 $275,070 $520,530

1 Monthly compounding at the selected rate with a constant contribution. Income uses a 4% withdrawal rate. No fees, taxes, or inflation are applied. Read the full assumptions.

Worked examples

Three contribution paths, one set of assumptions

Each saver starts at 35 with $25,000 already set aside and a 6% assumed annual return.1 The only difference is the monthly contribution. These are illustrations, not predictions.

Projected balance by monthly contribution and age. Constant contribution, constant 6% return, no fees or taxes.2
MonthlyAge 50Age 60Age 67
Baseline$250 per month $133,000$5,300 a year $281,000$11,200 a year $451,000$18,000 a year
Small step-up$350 per month $162,000$6,500 a year $350,000$14,000 a year $567,000$22,700 a year
Aggressive step-up$500 per month $205,000$8,200 a year $454,000$18,200 a year $740,000$29,600 a year

At age 67, most of the balance is growth

$250 a month
$350 a month
$500 a month

Your contributionsAssumed growth

  1. Illustration only. Real returns vary year to year and may be negative.
  2. Contributions assumed at each month end, compounded monthly, with no fees, taxes, or inflation adjustment.
  3. Annual income estimates use a 4% withdrawal rate and are not a promise of income.

Run your own numbers in the interactive scenario matrix, or read the full assumptions detail.