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Savings Timeline Reference Chart
Savings timeline table for common goals.
Assumes 4% annual return compounded monthly, starting from $0. Actual timelines vary with market performance and tax-advantaged account growth.
Years to reach savings goals at 4% annual return from $0
| Goal | $100/month | $250/month | $500/month | $1,000/month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 emergency fund | 4.0 years | 1.6 years | 0.8 years | 0.4 years |
| $10,000 vacation/travel | 7.8 years | 3.1 years | 1.6 years | 0.8 years |
| $20,000 car down payment | 14.5 years | 5.8 years | 2.9 years | 1.5 years |
| $50,000 house down payment | 34 years | 13.6 years | 6.8 years | 3.4 years |
| $100,000 major goal | — | — | 13.5 years | 6.8 years |
Frequently asked questions
How do I use this Savings Goal reference?
Find your category or range in the table, then use the linked calculator to compute an exact value for your inputs.
Try the calculator
Savings Goal Calculator