Savings Goal & Milestone Planner

How this tool works

Reviewed 6 September 2026. Monthly savings and interest, with 50/30/20 and Barefoot Investor budget comparisons.

Calculation outline

1. Solves monthly end-of-period contributions with monthly compound interest before tax, rounding contributions up and limiting the last deposit to the remaining gap. Weekly and fortnightly amounts are budget equivalents.
2. Or works out how many months it could take if you save a set amount each month.
3. Shows when you could reach 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of your goal, including interest earned.
4. Benchmarks required savings rate against the 50/30/20 rule (20% savings ceiling) and Barefoot Investor buckets (Smile 10% vs Fire Extinguisher 20%).

Worked example

Example: a $1,000 goal with no opening savings or interest over three months needs $334 per month, with the final deposit reduced to $332. Total interest is zero.

Limits

• Assumes consistent regular contributions without missed periods or unscheduled withdrawals.
• Investment returns or savings interest rates are assumed to remain constant over the savings horizon.

Sources

• ASIC Moneysmart savings goals
• Barefoot Investor bucket methodology

This tool provides general information and illustrative estimates only. It does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs and is not personal financial, tax or legal advice.