Savings Facts

If you are saving for a down payment on a house or an emergency fund if you sink your money into a CD, or a T-bill at 5%:

Save $100 a month, and you'll have $6,829 in five years.

Save $250 a month, and you'll have $17,072 in five years.

Save $1,000 a month, and you'll have $68,289 in five years.

For longer term goals, such as retirement, your money belongs in stocks or mutual funds. Remember, you won't touch your money for ten, 20, or 30 years. 8% is a reasonable expectation.

Save $100 a month, and you'll have $59,295 in 20 years and $150,030 in 30 years.

Save $250 a month, and you'll have $148,237 in 20 years and $375,074 in 30 years.

Save $1000 a month, and you'll have $592,947 in 20 years and $1.5 million in 30 years.


O Magazine, October 2006 pg 100