Thrivent Financial Bank

Savings Calculator

Consistent investments over a number of years can be an effective strategy to accumulate wealth. Even small additions to your savings add up over time. This calculator demonstrates how to put this savings strategy to work for you!

This Financial Calculator requires SUN's Java™ Plug-in. If you see this message you will need to download SUN's Java™ Plug-in. This can be done automatically by clicking the yellow bar at the top of your browser and choosing “Install ActiveX Control”.

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For more information these financial calculators please visit: Financial Calculators from KJE Computer Solutions, LLC

Definitions

Starting amount

The starting balance or current amount you have invested or saved.

Years

The total number of years you are planning to save or invest.

Additional contributions

The amount that you plan on adding to your savings or investment each period. The investment period options include weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually. This calculator assumes that you make your contributions at the beginning of each period.

Rate of return

The annual rate of return for this investment or savings account. The actual rate of return is largely dependant on the type of investments you select. From January 1970 to December 2007, the average compounded rate of return for the S&P 500, including reinvestment of dividends, was approximately 11.4% per year (source: www.standardandpoors.com). During this period, the highest 12-month return was 61%, and the lowest was -39%. Savings accounts at a bank can pay as little as 1% or less.

It is important to remember that future rates of return can't be predicted with certainty and that investments that pay higher rates of return are generally subject to higher risk and volatility. The actual rate of return on investments can vary widely over time, especially for long-term investments. This includes the potential loss of principal on your investment. It is not possible to invest directly in an index and the compounded rate of return noted above does not reflect sales charges and other fees that funds and/or investment companies may charge.

Compounding

Earnings on an investment's earnings, plus previous interest. This calculator allows you to choose the frequency that your investment's interest or income is added to your account. The more frequently this occurs, the sooner your accumulated earnings will generate additional earnings. For stock and mutual fund investments, you should usually choose 'Annual'. For savings accounts and CDs, all of the options are valid, although you will need to check with your financial institution to find out how often interest is being compounded on your particular investment.

These interactive calculators are made available to you as self-help tools for your independent use and are not intended to provide specific financial advice. We cannot and do not guarantee their applicability or accuracy in regards to your individual circumstances. All examples are hypothetical, are for illustrative purposes only, are not guaranteed, and may differ from a more in depth analysis. You are encouraged to seek personalized analysis and/or advice from a qualified professional regarding all personal finance issues.