Is my goal realistic?
Short answer: a goal is realistic when the monthly amount it needs is less than the money you have free each month. Enter the goal, the date and your free money below, and the check works out the monthly need, shows how close it sits to what you have, and lists what each change would do.
Loading the check…
How does the check work?
- It counts the months from today to your date.
- It works out the monthly amount that grows to your goal over those months, at the growth rate shown.
- It compares that amount with the money you say is free each month.
What do the results mean?
| Result | What it says |
|---|---|
| Fits | The monthly need is comfortably below your free money. |
| Fits, with little room | The goal needs about 80% or more of your free money. |
| Does not fit | The goal needs more each month than you have free. The check shows the gap and the changes that would close it. |
| Already covered | Your savings so far already reach the goal. |
Where can I go next?
- Work out the growth on a regular amount with the monthly investment calculator or compare approaches in the strategy library. Both link back here with their figures filled in.
- Want it in a spreadsheet? Download the free goal sheet.
- Planning with a partner? Try a money date night.
- Setting more than one goal? Read financial goal examples.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a savings goal is realistic?
Divide what is left to save by the months you have, allowing for any growth on your savings. If that monthly amount is well under the money you have free each month, the goal fits. If it is close to all of it, there is little room. If it is more, the date, the amount or the monthly money has to change.
What does the money free each month mean?
It is what remains after your bills, everyday spending and any saving already committed elsewhere. It is the amount you could put toward this goal without cutting into anything else.
Does the check include growth on savings?
Yes. It assumes your savings grow 6% a year unless you change it, with deposits at the end of each month. It also shows what the monthly need becomes if growth is two points lower, because growth is never certain.
Do I need an account?
No. The check runs in your browser and the figures live in the link, so you can share a result or open it again. A free account lets you save the goal and check it against your real income and spending.
Is this a recommendation?
No. It is a calculation under the assumptions shown, for information only. It does not know your whole situation, and it makes no forecast.
For information only. Results depend on the figures and growth rate entered, and growth is not certain.