Save vs invest calculator

This save vs invest calculator compares how much the same monthly contribution would grow to in a savings account versus an investment, over any number of years.

The cost of not investing

Keeping money in a savings account is safe, but over the long term the gap versus investing can be enormous, driven by compound interest. This tool puts that gap into concrete numbers for your own contribution, term and rates.

Example

Contributing €200/month for 20 years, a savings account paying 1% grows to roughly €53,000, while investing at 6% grows to roughly €92,000 — a difference of about €39,000 for the same money put aside each month.

For guidance only, assuming a constant return with no taxes — not financial advice.

FAQ

Is it better to save or invest?

For short-term expenses and an emergency fund, saving (safe and available) makes sense. For long-term goals, investing usually beats a savings account and inflation, but it comes with risk.

Why is the difference so large over the long term?

Because of compound interest: a higher return, reinvested over many years, makes a huge difference compared to the modest interest paid by a savings account.

Does this include taxes on the returns?

No, it compares gross growth at a constant rate with no taxes applied, to keep the comparison simple. Actual after-tax results will be lower on both sides.