Run 3 return-rate scenarios to see a realistic range of outcomes — then adjust your monthly amount until it fits your budget.
Open the Money Growth Calculator| Return rate | Final balance | Total contributed |
|---|---|---|
| 5% (conservative) | ~$411,000 | $240,000 |
| 7% (mid) | ~$521,000 | $240,000 |
| 10% (optimistic) | ~$759,000 | $240,000 |
Investing $1,000 a month for 20 years means contributing $240,000 of your own money — and at a 7% return, compounding adds an impressive $281,000 on top, growing your balance to around $521,000. Twenty years at this level builds genuine wealth, with compounding adding more than your total contributions and pushing your portfolio past the half million dollar mark. For high income earners or dual income Australian households, $1,000 a month consistently invested over two decades puts financial independence firmly within reach.
If $1000/month feels hard right now, test a smaller starting amount and increase it each year. Even small step-ups can move the result a lot over long horizons.
It can be. The biggest drivers are consistency and time. Use the calculator to compare multiple return scenarios.
Try 5% (conservative), 7% (mid), and 10% (optimistic) to see a range.
No. Treat results as estimates. You can lower your assumed return rate to be conservative.
If you can’t do both, extra time often helps a lot. Then increase contributions over time.
See /how-compound-interest-works.html.