What this calculator does:
This tool shows how your money can grow in the stock market over time with interest and monthly contributions, so you can see the power of investing or saving consistently.

How to use it:

• Initial Principal ($): The amount you’re starting with (can be $0 if you’re starting fresh).
  Example: You already have $4,000 in your 401k.
• Annual Interest Rate (%): The average return you expect.
  Example: 7% is often used as a long-term stock market estimate.
• Time (Years): How long you want to leave the money invested or saved.
  Example: "Long-term" is typically 15-30+ years.
• Monthly Contribution ($): How much you plan to add each month.
  Example: You'll put $300 from your paycheck into your 401k each month.

Click Calculate.

You’ll see your future balance, how much you personally contributed, and how much came from growth/interest.

The graph shows your balance growing compared to just your contributions.

Tip: The longer you leave money invested and the more consistent your contributions, the bigger the “interest earned” portion grows. That’s the power of compounding.