Savings goal calculator
Start from the goal and work backwards: how much do you need to save each month to reach a target balance at age 18? Same growth model as our main calculator, run in reverse. Illustration only — markets don't grow in a straight line, and program rules aren't final yet.
Children born 2025–2028 (U.S. citizens with SSN) get the $1,000 federal seed, included automatically.
$50,000
7%
~7% is roughly the long-term U.S. stock market average after inflation. Try 5% and 9% to see the range.
Monthly savings needed
$0
Where the target comes from
Contributions are modeled at the start of each year; growth compounds once a year at a constant rate.
Year-by-year plan
| Age | Year | Save that year | Balance |
|---|
Assumptions & limitations
- Same model as the growth calculator: contributions at the start of each year, constant annual compounding.
- Figures are before fees, taxes, and inflation. Under proposed rules, fund fees are capped at 0.10%.
- The $5,000 annual family cap is scheduled to be inflation-adjusted after 2027 — this model holds it flat (conservative).
- Real returns vary year to year; a constant rate will not happen in practice. This is a planning illustration, not a prediction or guarantee.
- Program rules (including tax treatment) are not final. Last verified Oct 10, 2026.