Savings Calculator

How much can I really save?

The key to effective saving is consistency and time. Small amounts saved month by month generate large capital over the long term, especially if some return is earned on them.

Difference between pure savings and investment

• Pure savings (0% return): money accumulates linearly. If you save €300/month for 10 years, you will have €36,000 plus whatever you started with. Without interest, the result is predictable but does not grow.
• Savings with return: even modest rates (2-4%) have a significant impact over the long term thanks to the compounding effect. With a 3% interest-bearing account, €300/month becomes approximately €41,900 in 10 years.

What return is realistic for savings?

For conservative savings: savings accounts or deposits at 2-4%. For savings with slightly more risk: fixed income or mixed funds at 3-6%. For long-term goals (+10 years), it may make sense to consider index funds with historical returns of 7-10%, though with higher volatility.

How is your savings growth calculated?

This calculator combines two components: your initial savings, which grow with compounding, and your monthly contributions, treated as a periodic annuity. With an annual return, the final capital is calculated as follows:

Practical example: saving €300 a month

Imagine you start with €2,000 and save €300 a month for 10 years. With no return you would accumulate €38,000 (€2,000 initial + €36,000 contributed). With an interest-bearing account at 3%, that same effort becomes around €44,000: roughly €6,000 extra that doesn't come out of your pocket, but from interest. If you extend the term to 20 years at 3%, you would exceed €100,000, and more than a quarter would be interest. That is the effect of time on consistent saving: the sooner you start, the harder compound interest works for you.

Common mistakes when planning your savings

• Not automating your saving. If you wait to see "what's left" at the end of the month, there is rarely anything left. Schedule an automatic transfer on payday and treat saving as another fixed expense.
• Leaving everything in a 0% account. With inflation, idle money loses purchasing power every year. An interest-bearing account or a conservative fund helps you not lose ground.
• Waiting until "you earn more". €50 a month starting today usually yields more than €200 a month ten years from now. Early consistency beats the amount.
• Not having an emergency fund. Before investing for the long term, set aside 3 to 6 months of expenses in liquid savings so you don't have to cash out investments at a bad time.

Frequently asked questions about saving

How much should I save each month?

A common benchmark is to save between 10% and 20% of your net income, but what matters is that it is sustainable. Saving 5% consistently for years beats 30% for a couple of months and then quitting. Use the calculator to see how small increases in your monthly contribution change the long-term result.

Is it better to save or invest?

It is not either/or. Liquid savings (account or deposit) are ideal for your emergency fund and goals under 3-5 years. For longer-term goals, investing with a higher expected return makes better use of compound interest, while taking on more risk and volatility.

What return should I enter if I only want to save, not invest?

Enter your product's return: 0% for a normal current account, or the rate of your interest-bearing account or deposit (for example 2-3%). That way you will see the real growth of your savings.

Does inflation affect my savings?

Yes. If your money grows less than inflation, you lose purchasing power even if the balance goes up. That is why at least part of your savings should earn a return close to or above inflation. You can estimate that effect in our inflation calculator.

Can I set a goal and see if I will reach it?

Yes. Enter an amount in the "Savings goal" field and the calculator will tell you whether you exceed it or how much you are short at the end of the term.