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📈 Investment Projection

See how your money grows with compound interest

Estimated final amount
$108,959.20
after 20 year(s) of investing
Total invested
$53,000.00
over 20 year(s)
Interest earned
$55,959.20
that's +105.6 % of capital
Final value
$108,959.20
capital + compound interest
📊 Growth over time
Capital invested Compound interest
Year Invested Interest Balance
1$7,400.00$375.50$7,775.50
3$12,200.00$1,650.62$13,850.62
5$17,000.00$3,698.26$20,698.26
7$21,800.00$6,616.63$28,416.63
9$26,600.00$10,516.48$37,116.48
11$31,400.00$15,522.59$46,922.59
13$36,200.00$21,775.65$57,975.65
15$41,000.00$29,434.21$70,434.21
17$45,800.00$38,677.00$84,477.00
19$50,600.00$49,705.47$100,305.47
20$53,000.00$55,959.20$108,959.20

⚡ Popular scenarios

⚠️ Projections assume a constant return. Real returns vary with markets, fees, and taxation (RRSP, TFSA, FHSA, non-registered). Consult a financial advisor before investing.

Investment projection and compound interest — practical guide for Québec

Compound interest, sometimes called "the eighth wonder of the world", is the engine behind every long-term saving strategy. Our calculator projects what your investment will be worth in 5, 10, 25 or 40 years, factoring in initial capital, regular contributions (monthly or annual) and the expected rate of return.

The tool is designed for Québec realities: TFSA, RRSP, LIRA, FHSA, non-registered accounts. It helps compare scenarios and understand the real impact of each dollar saved today on your future net worth.

Compound interest: why time makes the difference

Compound interest is the interest earned on previously accumulated interest. Year after year, the capital grows, and future returns apply to a larger base. That's what makes the first dollars you save so valuable: they have the most time to multiply.

Final value = Capital × (1 + r)n + Contributions × ((1+r)n − 1) ÷ r

Where r is the periodic rate of return and n the number of periods. The calculator does the work — no spreadsheet needed.

Nominal vs real return

A 6% annual return with 2% inflation gives a real return of about 4%. To plan for future purchasing power, real return is what counts. Historical Canadian inflation averages 2% to 2.5%.

Example — saving $300 a month for 25 years

Sophie, 30, opens a TFSA and invests $300 a month in a diversified index ETF. She estimates an average annual return of 6%. Her starting capital is $0.

After 25 years: Sophie will have contributed $90,000 ($300 × 12 × 25). With compound interest at 6%, her TFSA will be worth roughly $208,000. More than half the final value comes from returns, not contributions.

If Sophie waits 5 years before starting, her final capital drops to about $146,000 — $60,000 less, simply because she lost 5 years of compounding.

Lesson: starting early often beats contributing more. A modest investment over 30 years tends to beat a doubled investment over 15 years.
TFSA, RRSP, FHSA: which account for which goal?

TFSA — Tax-Free Savings Account

Contributions are not deductible from income, but growth and withdrawals are tax-free. Cumulative limit (2026) of about $102,000 for someone 18+ since 2009. Best for: flexible goals, long-term emergency fund, supplementary retirement.

RRSP — Registered Retirement Savings Plan

Contributions are deductible from taxable income (immediate tax savings of up to roughly 53% at the highest Québec marginal rate). Tax-sheltered growth, but withdrawals taxed as income. Best for: retirement, especially at high marginal rates.

FHSA — First Home Savings Account

Best of both worlds: deductible contributions AND tax-free withdrawals (for a first home purchase). Annual limit $8,000, lifetime $40,000. Best for: future first-time home buyers in Québec.

Choosing a realistic rate of return

The rate you enter in the calculator is critical — a 2-point gap over 25 years transforms the projection completely. Some realistic benchmarks:

  • Savings account / GIC: 2% to 4%
  • Bond portfolio: 3% to 5%
  • Balanced portfolio (60% stocks / 40% bonds): 4% to 6%
  • Growth portfolio (80%+ stocks): 5% to 7%
  • All stocks (global index ETF): 6% to 8% long-term historical, but volatile

These rates are nominal. To plan in future purchasing power, subtract expected inflation (≈ 2%) for a real rate.

Beware of guaranteed 10%+ promises: if it were reliable, everyone would do it. Canadian planning standards (FP Canada) suggest a planning return around 6.3% before fees for a balanced portfolio.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between monthly and annual contributions?

Contributing early (monthly) rather than late (lump sum at year-end) slightly boosts the final return because each dollar enjoys more months of compounding. Over 25 years, the difference is small (1% to 2%) but real.

Should I include management fees?

Yes. If you expect a 6% gross return but your fund charges 1.5% in fees, your net return is 4.5%. Enter the net return in the calculator. Index ETFs typically charge under 0.3%.

Does the calculator account for tax?

No — it calculates the gross account value. For a TFSA, that's accurate (no tax on withdrawal). For an RRSP, you'll pay tax in retirement on withdrawals.

How do I factor in inflation?

Enter your real return (nominal return minus inflation). Example: 6% nominal − 2% inflation = 4% real. The projection then gives the value in today's dollars.

My employer matches my RRSP — how do I include it?

Add the employer contribution to the monthly contribution. If you put in $200/month and your employer adds $100/month, enter $300/month.