Articles  

Why compound interest is the key to growing your wealth

How compound interest grows your money, how it works against you on debt, and simple ways to make it work for you.

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The power of compound interest for young investors

Why starting young gives you the biggest compounding advantage, with a $5,000 plus $200 a month example.

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Compound interest: a game changer for retirees

How keeping savings invested in retirement and withdrawing sustainably can make your money last longer.

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  • Why I Recommend Sharesight for Long-Term Investors
  • These investing examples are designed around a compound interest calculator approach: each article answers a common question and links to a calculator so you can run your own numbers.

    Start with Money Growth

    Start with a calculator

     

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    Weekly investing examples

    Monthly investing examples

    $100 a month invested for 10 years

    Estimate what $100 per month invested for 10 years could grow to. Compare conservative vs optimistic return scenarios.

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    $100 a month invested for 20 years

    Estimate what $100 per month invested for 20 years could grow to. Compare conservative vs optimistic return scenarios.

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    $100 a month invested for 30 years

    Estimate what $100 per month invested for 30 years could grow to. Compare conservative vs optimistic return scenarios.

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    $1000 a month invested for 20 years

    Estimate what $1000 per month invested for 20 years could grow to. Compare conservative vs optimistic return scenarios.

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    $200 a month invested for 10 years

    Estimate what $200 per month invested for 10 years could grow to. Compare conservative vs optimistic return scenarios.

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    $200 a month invested for 15 years

    Estimate what $200 per month invested for 15 years could grow to. Compare conservative vs optimistic return scenarios.

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    $200 a month invested for 30 years

    Estimate what $200 per month invested for 30 years could grow to. Compare conservative vs optimistic return scenarios.

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    $300 a month invested for 10 years

    Estimate what $300 per month invested for 10 years could grow to. Compare conservative vs optimistic return scenarios.

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    $300 a month invested for 20 years

    Estimate what $300 per month invested for 20 years could grow to. Compare conservative vs optimistic return scenarios.

    Read article → Category: monthly

    $300 a month invested for 30 years

    Estimate what $300 per month invested for 30 years could grow to. Compare conservative vs optimistic return scenarios.

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    $500 a month invested for 10 years

    Estimate what $500 per month invested for 10 years could grow to. Compare conservative vs optimistic return scenarios.

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    $500 a month invested for 30 years

    Estimate what $500 per month invested for 30 years could grow to. Compare conservative vs optimistic return scenarios.

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    Lump sum examples

    $1,000 invested once for 10 years

    Estimate what a one-time $1,000 investment could grow to over 10 years using different return-rate scenarios.

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    $1,000 invested once for 20 years

    Estimate what a one-time $1,000 investment could grow to over 20 years using different return-rate scenarios.

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    $1,000 invested once for 30 years

    Estimate what a one-time $1,000 investment could grow to over 30 years using different return-rate scenarios.

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    $10,000 invested once for 10 years

    Estimate what a one-time $10,000 investment could grow to over 10 years using different return-rate scenarios.

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    $10,000 invested once for 15 years

    Estimate what a one-time $10,000 investment could grow to over 15 years using different return-rate scenarios.

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    $10,000 invested once for 20 years

    Estimate what a one-time $10,000 investment could grow to over 20 years using different return-rate scenarios.

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    $10,000 invested once for 30 years

    Estimate what a one-time $10,000 investment could grow to over 30 years using different return-rate scenarios.

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    $100,000 invested once for 10 years

    Estimate what a one-time $100,000 investment could grow to over 10 years using different return-rate scenarios.

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    $100,000 invested once for 20 years

    Estimate what a one-time $100,000 investment could grow to over 20 years using different return-rate scenarios.

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    $20,000 invested once for 10 years

    Estimate what a one-time $20,000 investment could grow to over 10 years using different return-rate scenarios.

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    $20,000 invested once for 20 years

    Estimate what a one-time $20,000 investment could grow to over 20 years using different return-rate scenarios.

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    $5,000 invested once for 10 years

    Estimate what a one-time $5,000 investment could grow to over 10 years using different return-rate scenarios.

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    $5,000 invested once for 20 years

    Estimate what a one-time $5,000 investment could grow to over 20 years using different return-rate scenarios.

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    $5,000 invested once for 30 years

    Estimate what a one-time $5,000 investment could grow to over 30 years using different return-rate scenarios.

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    $50,000 invested once for 10 years

    Estimate what a one-time $50,000 investment could grow to over 10 years using different return-rate scenarios.

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    $50,000 invested once for 20 years

    Estimate what a one-time $50,000 investment could grow to over 20 years using different return-rate scenarios.

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    Retirement planning

    How much do I need to retire at 55?

    Estimate the portfolio you may need to retire at 55 using income goals and withdrawal rates.

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    How much do I need to retire at 70?

    Estimate how much you might need to retire at 70 using income goals and withdrawal rates.

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    Retire early vs retire later: what changes?

    Compare the impact of retiring early vs later on your required portfolio size.

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    How much do I need to retire on $100,000 a year?

    Estimate a retirement portfolio target for $100,000/year using different withdrawal rates.

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    How much income can my portfolio generate?

    Estimate how much annual income your portfolio might generate at different withdrawal rates.

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    ETF vs savings comparisons

    ETF vs savings account: which is better?

    Compare ETFs (index funds) vs savings accounts using a simple decision guide and the calculator.

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    Index fund vs high-yield savings: pros and cons

    A US-friendly guide: high-yield savings vs index funds (ETFs). Compare short-term stability vs long-term growth.

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    Savings account vs index fund: what’s better?

    Choose based on your goal and time horizon, then run your own numbers in the ETF vs savings calculator.

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    ETF vs savings: common mistakes to avoid

    Avoid common errors when comparing ETFs vs savings: unrealistic assumptions, short horizons, and ignoring risk.

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    ETF vs savings during high interest rates

    When savings rates are high, does it still make sense to invest in ETFs? Compare scenarios and understand the tradeoffs.

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    ETF vs savings for 1 year: what makes sense?

    Compare ETF investing vs a savings account for a 1-year time horizon. Learn why short timelines often favour savings.

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    ETF vs savings for 3 years: what’s the better option?

    Compare ETF investing vs savings over 3 years. Learn when ETFs might be reasonable and when savings is safer.

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    ETF vs savings for 5 years: how to decide

    Compare ETF investing vs savings over 5 years and see how time changes the risk/return tradeoff.

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    ETF vs savings for an emergency fund

    Should you keep an emergency fund in ETFs or in a savings account? Learn why liquidity and stability matter most.

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    ETF vs savings for a house deposit

    Should you invest in ETFs or save for a house deposit? Compare outcomes and risks for common timelines.

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    ETF vs savings for kids: what’s better?

    Compare saving vs investing for kids over different time horizons and contribution patterns.

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    ETF vs savings: how to choose in 60 seconds

    A simple decision framework for choosing ETFs vs savings based on timeline, risk tolerance, and goal type.

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    ETF vs term deposit: which is better?

    Compare ETFs vs term deposits for different timelines, and learn which fits short vs long-term goals.

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    Savings account vs ETF returns: what to assume

    How to choose reasonable assumptions for savings interest and ETF returns when modelling the future.

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    Savings rate vs ETF return: what matters most?

    Understand stable savings interest vs variable ETF returns, and how to compare them fairly.

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    Other

    $200 a week invested for 10 years

    Estimate what $200 per week invested for 10 years could grow to with compound interest.

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    $500 a month invested for 20 years

    See how much $500 per month invested for 20 years could grow.

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    $1000 invested every month for 10 years

    See how much $1000 invested every month for 10 years could grow.

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    How much will $10,000 be worth in 30 years?

    See how much $10,000 invested today could grow over 30 years.

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    ETF vs mutual fund returns

    Compare ETF and mutual fund returns and fees.

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    Compound interest examples

    Simple examples showing how money grows over time.

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    Investing $200 a month in the S&P 500 for 20 years

    See example scenarios for $200/month over 20 years, then use the calculator to run your own assumptions.

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    Is it better to invest weekly or monthly?

    Weekly can be slightly ahead, but the difference is usually small—compare both schedules in the calculator.

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    $100 a week invested for 10 years

    Model what $100 per week invested for 10 years could grow to. Compare multiple return rates using the calculator.

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    $100 a week invested for 20 years

    Model what $100 a week invested for 20 years could grow to. Compare multiple return-rate scenarios with our calculator.

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    $100 a week invested for 30 years

    Model what $100 a week invested for 30 years could grow to. Compare multiple return-rate scenarios with our calculator.

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    $1000 a week invested for 10 years

    Model what $1000 a week invested for 10 years could grow to. Compare multiple return-rate scenarios with our calculator.

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    How much will $10,000 be worth in 15 years?

    Estimate what $10,000 could grow to over 15 years at different return rates. Use the calculator to test scenarios.

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    $200 a month invested for 20 years

    Estimate what $200 per month invested for 20 years could grow to. Compare multiple return-rate scenarios.

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    $200 a week invested for 20 years

    Model what $200 a week invested for 20 years could grow to. Compare multiple return-rate scenarios with our calculator.

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    $25 a week invested for 20 years

    Model what $25 a week invested for 20 years could grow to. Compare multiple return-rate scenarios with our calculator.

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    $25 a week invested for 25 years

    Model what $25 a week invested for 25 years could grow to. Compare multiple return-rate scenarios with our calculator.

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    $25 a week invested for 30 years

    Model what $25 a week invested for 30 years could grow to. Compare conservative vs optimistic return rates.

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    $25 a week invested for 40 years

    Model what $25 a week invested for 40 years could grow to. Compare multiple return-rate scenarios with our calculator.

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    $300 a week invested for 10 years

    Model what $300 a week invested for 10 years could grow to. Compare multiple return-rate scenarios with our calculator.

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    $50 a week invested for 10 years

    Model what $50 a week invested for 10 years could grow to. Compare multiple return-rate scenarios with our calculator.

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    $50 a week invested for 15 years

    Model what $50 a week invested for 15 years could grow to. Compare multiple return-rate scenarios with our calculator.

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    $50 a week invested for 20 years

    See what $50 a week could grow to over 20 years at different return rates. Use the calculator and compare scenarios.

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    $50 a week invested for 30 years

    Model what $50 a week invested for 30 years could grow to. Compare multiple return-rate scenarios with our calculator.

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    $500 a week invested for 10 years

    Model what $500 a week invested for 10 years could grow to. Compare multiple return-rate scenarios with our calculator.

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    $75 a week invested for 20 years

    Model what $75 a week invested for 20 years could grow to. Compare multiple return-rate scenarios with our calculator.

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    How to start investing in Australia: step by step

    Ready to start investing? Here's exactly what to do — emergency fund, choosing ETFs, picking a platform, setting up auto-invest, and tracking your portfolio.

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    How to track your investment portfolio in Australia

    The best ways to track your Australian ETF portfolio — including true returns, franking credits, CGT reporting, and why Sharesight beats spreadsheets.

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    Compound interest mistakes that cost you years of growth

    Common mistakes people make with compound interest: waiting to start, inconsistent contributions, high fees, and unrealistic assumptions.

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    Dollar‑cost averaging vs lump sum: which is better?

    Compare lump-sum investing vs dollar-cost averaging, and learn how to model both approaches using the calculator.

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    ETF vs savings account: pros and cons

    A plain-English guide to ETF vs savings accounts, with pros/cons and a calculator to compare outcomes over time.

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    High-interest savings vs index fund

    Compare high-interest savings accounts with index funds over different time horizons, and learn when each makes sense.

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    How much emergency fund should I keep?

    A practical guide to emergency funds and when to invest vs save. Includes a calculator to compare outcomes over time.

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    How much do I need to retire at 60?

    Estimate how much you might need to retire at 60 using income goals and withdrawal rates. Use the retirement calculator to model it.

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    How much should I invest per month to reach $100,000?

    Estimate the monthly contribution needed to reach $100,000 over different timelines and return assumptions.

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    How much should I invest per month to reach $1,000,000?

    Model how much you might need to invest each month to reach $1,000,000 by a target age or year.

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    Should I invest or save for a house deposit?

    A simple guide to choosing savings vs investing for a house deposit, with a calculator to compare outcomes and risk tradeoffs.

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    How much do I need to retire on $40,000 a year?

    Estimate a target retirement portfolio for $40,000/year spending using different withdrawal rates and a retirement calculator.

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    How much do I need to retire on $60,000 a year?

    Estimate the retirement portfolio size needed for $60,000 per year using different withdrawal rates, plus a calculator link.

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    Rule of 72: how long to double your money?

    Learn the Rule of 72 and estimate how long it takes to double your money at different return rates. Then test with a calculator.

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    Safe withdrawal rate: 3% vs 4% vs 5%

    Compare 3%, 4%, and 5% withdrawal rates and see how they change your required retirement portfolio size.

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    Savings vs investing returns: why small differences matter

    See how a small return-rate difference compounds over time. Includes examples and a calculator to compare ETF vs savings.

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    Starting investing at 40: what to do

    Starting at 40 can still work. Use the catch-up calculator to estimate monthly investing needed to hit a target by retirement.

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    Starting investing at 45: a simple catch‑up plan

    Starting at 45 isn’t too late. Estimate the monthly amount needed and explore timeline and return assumptions.

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    Starting investing at 50: how much per month?

    Starting at 50 can still work with a clear target and timeline. Estimate the monthly contribution needed using the catch-up calculator.

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    Starting investing at 55: what’s realistic?

    Starting at 55 is challenging but not hopeless. Estimate monthly contributions and explore realistic targets and timelines.

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    Weekly vs monthly contributions: does it matter?

    Compare weekly vs monthly contributions and see what matters most. Includes simple conversion tips and modelling guidance.

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    What is the 4% rule?

    Understand the 4% rule, what it means, and how to use it as a planning guideline. Includes a retirement calculator link.

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    ETF vs bonds: which is the better investment?

    Compare ETF and bond returns, risk, income, and liquidity to decide which belongs in your portfolio.

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    Index fund vs ETF: what's the difference?

    Both track the same markets at low cost. The difference comes down to how they're bought, automated, and traded.

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    High yield savings vs CD: which earns more?

    Compare rates, flexibility, and when to lock in a CD or term deposit vs keeping funds in a high yield savings account.

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    ETF vs 401k (and superannuation): which builds more wealth?

    Understand the difference between standalone ETF investing and tax-advantaged retirement accounts — and how to use both.

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