ChooseFI
Resources

Future Value Calculator

Compound interest is the most powerful force in wealth building. See exactly how your money will grow over time with consistent investing.

The Rule of 72

Divide 72 by your annual return rate to find how many years it takes your money to double. The simplest mental math in all of investing.

Adjust the annual return rate

annual return
1% 15%

Time to Double

years

At return, your money doubles times in 30 years

Doubling Timeline (starting with $10K)

$10,000 invested at becomes after doublings — that is the power of compound growth.

Calculate Your Future Value

Enter your investment details to see how compound interest grows your wealth.

Future Value Calculator

See how much your investments will grow over time with compound interest.

Estimated Future Value

In years:

Initial Balance
Contributions
Growth

Where to Put Your Money

Maximize your returns by using the right accounts in the right order.

401(k) with Employer Match

50-100% instant return

Always contribute enough to get the full employer match — it is an instant 50-100% return on your money before any market growth. If your employer matches 50% on the first 6% of your salary, that is free money you cannot afford to leave on the table. This comes first, no exceptions.

Priority: #1 — Do this before anything else

Roth IRA

$7K limit ($8K if 50+)

Tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement make the Roth IRA one of the most powerful wealth-building vehicles available. You contribute after-tax dollars, but every dollar of growth is yours forever. For early retirees, contributions (not earnings) can be withdrawn penalty-free at any time.

Priority: #2 — Max this out each year after getting your full employer match

HSA (Health Savings Account)

Triple tax advantage

The HSA is the only account with a triple tax advantage: tax-deductible going in, grows tax-free, and tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses. The stealth retirement strategy: pay medical expenses out of pocket now, invest your HSA, and withdraw decades of tax-free growth later. After age 65, it functions like a traditional IRA for non-medical expenses.

Priority: #3 — The ultimate stealth retirement account if you have a high-deductible health plan

Taxable Brokerage

No contribution limits

After maxing all tax-advantaged accounts, invest the rest in a taxable brokerage with low-cost index funds. No contribution limits, no withdrawal penalties, and fully flexible. Long-term capital gains rates are favorable, and tax-loss harvesting can further reduce your tax burden. This is your bridge account for early retirement.

Priority: #4 — Unlimited, flexible, and essential for early FI

Daily Latte Compound Explorer

What if you invested that daily purchase instead? Toggle common expenses and watch compound growth do its thing.

If You Invested Instead

Daily Total
Monthly Total
Invested at 7% annual return
10 years
20 years
30 years

Your daily habit is worth over 30 years. Small changes, massive results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Compound Your Knowledge Too

Compound interest grows your money — our weekly newsletter compounds your financial knowledge. Join 100,000+ subscribers.

M S J R T
Join 100,000+ subscribers

Your Future Self Will Thank You — Start with Community

Compound interest works best with time. Our community helps you stay the course with accountability, local groups, and free courses.

  • Connect with thousands pursuing financial independence
  • Join a local group near you for accountability and support
  • Access free courses, tools, and expert discussions

Free forever — no credit card required

Join ChooseFI

Start your financial independence journey

  • Access to the ChooseFI community
  • Exclusive FI resources and tools
  • Weekly actionable insights
or

Already have an account? Log in

Try searching for

⌘K to open anytime