Small moves. Big compounding.

Visualize how patience pays. Even small investments over time could grow into big wins.

Playing the long game: why time in the market beats timing the market

Use this calculator to compare how savings and investments could grow. Historically, savings rates have rarely topped 4%, while the U.S. stock market has averaged around 10% a year over the long run.

Higher returns always come with higher risk. On average, the market has dropped 20% or more every four to five years before recovering — and past performance never guarantees future results.

That’s why a smart strategy blends both: a diversified portfolio matched to your time horizon and risk tolerance for long-term growth, plus a cash cushion to ride out short-term downturns.

Initial (one-time)

$0
$0$100,000

Weekly Amount

$20
$0$1,000

Years

18 Years
1 Year72 Years

Annual Return

8%
5%12%

Total Invested

$18,720

Final Amount

$40,516

Growth Multiple

2x

Learn More About Time, Growth, and Risk

Your Relationship with Time

Discover why your second million comes so much faster than your first, and how a 10% average annual return can double your money every 7.2 years.

The Power of 1%

Here's why every additional 1% in returns can dramatically grow your portfolio.

Managing Investment Risk

You can't control the market or its volatility, but you should tailor your investment risk to your goals and de-risk other aspects of your finances that are completely within your control.