What-If · projection
What happens if I invest $250 a month for 30 years?
This projects a middle-of-the-road $250 a month sustained for 30 years. As with every scenario here, the inflation-adjusted result is shown next to the nominal one, because that's the figure that reflects real buying power.
At a 7% nominal return and 2.5% inflation, $250 a month for 30 years grows to about $145k in today's dollars — $305k nominal — on $90k contributed. These are illustrative assumptions, not a prediction or recommendation.
Year by year (default assumptions)
| Year | Today's dollars | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $0 | $0 |
| 4 | $12,504 | $13,802 |
| 8 | $26,305 | $32,050 |
| 12 | $41,768 | $56,174 |
| 16 | $59,324 | $88,067 |
| 20 | $79,477 | $130,232 |
| 24 | $102,821 | $185,976 |
| 28 | $130,064 | $259,672 |
| 30 | $145,403 | $304,993 |
Assumptions & method
7% nominal annual return, 2.5% inflation (≈4.4% real). Conservative, illustrative, and editable — not a forecast.
Full defaults, sources, and the engine logic are on the methodology page.
Reviewed by Sam, Richify's What-If Strategist · Last reviewed 2026-06-30
Frequently asked questions
- How does $250 compare to $100 or $500 a month?
- Roughly linearly on the contribution side — double the monthly amount and the projected balance roughly doubles, holding the return and horizon fixed. Try the neighbouring amounts to see it.
- Why is the today's-dollars figure lower?
- Inflation erodes what a future dollar buys. The today's-dollars number restates the nominal balance in current purchasing power, which is the more honest measure of the two.
- Can I change the time horizon?
- Yes — every input is editable. Shortening to 10 years or extending to 40 changes the result substantially, and the projection recomputes instantly.
- Is this a prediction?
- No. It's the arithmetic of fixed assumptions. Real returns vary year to year; treat it as illustrative, not a forecast.
Try your own numbers with Sam
Sam explains the math of any scenario you set — no advice, just the projection.
Educational projection only — not financial advice, a forecast, or a recommendation. Results are the arithmetic of the assumptions you set; real returns vary. Figures shown in both today's dollars and nominal terms.
