Pick a timeline (5, 10, 15 years), choose a return assumption, then estimate the monthly amount needed.
Use the Start Late? Calculator| Timeframe | Monthly investment (7%) | Total contributed |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | ~$1,397/month | $83,820 |
| 10 years | ~$578/month | $69,360 |
| 15 years | ~$315/month | $56,700 |
| 20 years | ~$192/month | $46,080 |
| 25 years | ~$123/month | $36,900 |
| 30 years | ~$82/month | $29,520 |
| Timeframe | Lump sum needed today (7%) |
|---|---|
| 5 years | ~$71,300 |
| 10 years | ~$50,800 |
| 15 years | ~$36,200 |
| 20 years | ~$25,800 |
| 25 years | ~$18,400 |
| 30 years | ~$13,100 |
Reaching $100,000 is a milestone many Australians set as their first serious investment goal — and the numbers show that time is your biggest advantage. Over 30 years it takes just $82 a month, while over 5 years it requires $1,397 a month — nearly 17 times as much for the same outcome. The lump sum table tells the same story in reverse: investing $13,100 today at 7% reaches $100,000 in 30 years, while you'd need $71,300 to get there in just 5 years. Whether you're investing monthly or have a lump sum to deploy, use the calculator above to find the exact pathway to your $100,000 goal.
The monthly amount needed depends heavily on time. Try 5 vs 10 vs 15 years and compare.
It’s tempting to use a high return rate to make the monthly number look easier. Use a conservative scenario first so you have a realistic plan.
Extra time adds more contributions and more compounding. Even a few extra years can reduce the required monthly amount.
Start Late is best when you have a target amount. Money Growth is best when you have a fixed contribution and want to see the result.
Try 5% (conservative), 7% (mid), 10% (optimistic) and treat the result as a range.
Not included. Consider reducing the return assumption to be conservative.
Yes — just change the target and re-run.