Investment Calculator - Estimate Your Returns
Use this investment calculator to estimate your potential returns over time.
Whether you're calculating compound growth or return on investment, get quick insights on how your money can grow.
Our Investment Calculator helps you visualize how your savings and investments can grow over time. By entering key details like your initial deposit, monthly contributions, expected rate of return, and compounding frequency, you can estimate your total balance at the end of your investment period. Start your investing journey with StashAway today!
Savings vs investing
Saving and investing both play essential roles in financial planning, but they serve different purposes.
Saving involves setting aside money in low-risk accounts, ensuring easy access when needed. It’s ideal for short-term goals like building an emergency fund, planning for a major purchase, or simply keeping money safe. However, the returns on savings accounts are generally low and may not keep up with inflation.
Investing, on the other hand, involves putting your money into assets like stocks, bonds, or real estate with the expectation of higher returns. It carries more risk but offers the potential for greater wealth accumulation over time. Investing is best suited for long-term financial goals such as retirement or funding your child’s education.
The choice between saving and investing depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. A balanced approach—keeping enough savings for short-term needs while investing for long-term growth—can help you build lasting financial security.
How structural investing can grow your wealth
Investing doesn’t have to start with a large sum. By consistently investing just $100 per month, you can harness the power of compound interest and potentially build significant wealth over time. The key lies in patience, consistency, and choosing the right investment strategy.
The power of compounding interest
Compounding is when your investment earns returns, and those returns generate even more returns. The longer your money stays invested, the more powerful this effect becomes. In the early years, most of the growth comes from your contributions, but over time, your earnings start multiplying exponentially.
For example, if you invest an initial $10,000 with a $500 monthly investment for 30 years at a 6% annual return, your $190,000 total investment could grow to nearly $531,784—almost three times your contributions!
Now, let’s explore two key factors that influence growth: the rate of return and the duration of your investment.
Scenario 1: Different rates of return
Starting with an initial deposit of $10,000 and investing $500 per month, here’s how your investment could grow under different return scenarios over 30 years:
| Annual Return | Total Invested | Final Value | Total Investment Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3% | $190,000 | $309,725 | $119,725 |
| 6% | $190,000 | $531,784 | $341,784 |
| 9% | $190,000 | $960,522 | $760,522 |
| 12% | $190,000 | $1,747,595 | $1,557,595 |
A higher return accelerates growth, showing why many long-term investors turn to stocks and ETFs for wealth-building.
Scenario 2: Investing time frame
Time is your best friend when it comes to investing. Let’s see how extending your investment period makes a difference, assuming a 6% annual return:
| Years Invested | Total Invested | Final Value | Total Investment Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 years | $70,000 | $96,993 | $26,993 |
| 20 years | $130,000 | $252,785 | $122,785 |
| 30 years | $190,000 | $531,784 | $341,784 |
The longer you invest, the greater your wealth grows. Even small contributions add up when you let compound interest work over decades.
Types of Investments
When investing, you have a wide range of options, each with different risk levels, return potential, and liquidity. Below are some of the most common investment types, each suited to different financial goals and risk appetites.
| Investment Option | Features | Returns | Liquidity | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Deposits | Time deposits with fixed interest rates for specific tenures, typically offered by banks | 2.15% - 2.90% annually depending on tenure and bank | Low - funds locked for the agreed tenure; early withdrawal may incur penalties | Low - bank-backed with guaranteed returns |
| Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs) | Government-backed, 10-year investment, can exit anytime without penalty | 10-year average return 2.85% | High - can withdraw anytime | Low - virtually risk-free |
| Treasury Bills (T-bills) | Short-term government security, sold at discount, matures in 6-12 months | 6-month T-bill 2.75% and 1-year T-bill 2.95% | Moderate - fixed duration till maturity | Low - backed by the government |
| Robo advisors/ wealth management platform | Automated, diversified portfolio management with lower fees | StashAway General Investing 2024 annual return from 6.5% to 18.6% | High - can withdraw anytime | Moderate - market fluctuations |
| Cash Management Accounts | Invests in money market funds, short-term bonds; higher returns than savings | StashAway Simple Cash projected rates from 2.75% to 3.8% p.a. | High - no lock-in period | Low - stable but some investment risk |
| Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) | Invest in property portfolios, provides regular dividends, high liquidity | 3% - 10% dividend yield depending on the REITs | High - traded on SGX like stocks | Moderate - market & interest rate risks |
| Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | Tracks indices or sectors, low fees, diversified exposure | Varies by ETF | High - can buy/sell like stocks | Moderate - market-dependent |
| Stocks | Direct ownership of companies, potential for capital appreciation & dividends | Varies widely based on stock selection and market conditions | Moderate to High - depends on market volatility | High - dependent on individual stock selection |
| Commodities | Invest in physical assets like gold, silver, and crude oil, hedge against inflation | Gold 10-year annual return 8.42% and category annual return 1.88% | Moderate - depends on market demand and commodity type | High - influenced by global supply, demand, and economic cycles |
* data as of 8th Mar 2025
What’s a Realistic Investment Return? And How to Reduce Risk
A "good" investment return isn’t just about high numbers—it’s about consistency, risk management, and long-term sustainability. While past data provides reference points, returns fluctuate, and no investment is guaranteed.
That said, here are some historical benchmarks:
- Stock market (S&P 500 index): ~10% average annual return over the long term
- Bonds: ~3% for government bonds, higher for corporate bonds
- Cash management accounts: 3.3% p.a. % to 3.8% p.a. (low risk, but limited growth)
- Fixed deposits (FDs): ~2% to 3%, depending on term and institution
The Smart Way to Reduce Risk: Diversification
Focusing only on high returns can leave you exposed to unnecessary risks. Diversification—spreading your investments across different assets—helps smooth out volatility and protect your portfolio from downturns.
A balanced portfolio might include:
✔ Stocks for long-term capital appreciation
✔ Bonds for stability and predictable income
✔ Real estate & REITs for passive income and inflation protection
✔ ETFs for diversified market exposure
✔ Cash management accounts or fixed deposits for liquidity and short-term security
Instead of chasing a "perfect" return, focus on risk-adjusted returns that align with your goals. When using an investment calculator, try different return scenarios—conservative, moderate, and aggressive—to plan realistically and build a resilient investment strategy.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The calculator estimates your investment’s future value based on your initial deposit, regular contributions, time horizon, and expected return rate. It assumes consistent returns over time, but actual performance may vary due to market conditions.
What investment return rate should I use?
Return rates depend on your investment type. Historically, stocks average 6-8% annually, while bonds yield lower returns. Consider your risk tolerance when setting an estimated rate.
Does this calculator account for inflation?
No, the displayed results show nominal returns. To factor in inflation, you may want to adjust your estimated return rate accordingly.
Can I use this calculator for short-term investing?
Yes, but short-term investments may experience greater volatility. If you’re investing for less than five years, consider lower-risk options like bonds or cash management accounts.
How accurate are the results?
The results provide a projected estimate based on your inputs. Actual outcomes depend on market fluctuations, fees, and economic factors.
What’s the difference between investing and saving?
Investing involves risk but offers higher return potential over time. Saving (e.g., fixed deposits) provides stability but lower returns. Use this calculator to compare potential investment growth.