Monthly deposit to reach $250,000
Starting from zero, here's roughly how much you'd need to invest each month to hit $250,000, depending on your timeframe and average annual return:
| Timeframe | 5% return | 7% return | 9% return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 years | $3,676/mo | $3,492/mo | $3,315/mo |
| 10 years | $1,610/mo | $1,444/mo | $1,292/mo |
| 15 years | $935/mo | $789/mo | $661/mo |
| 20 years | $608/mo | $480/mo | $374/mo |
| 25 years | $420/mo | $309/mo | $223/mo |
| 30 years | $300/mo | $205/mo | $137/mo |
For example, to reach $250,000 in 20 years at a 7% return, you'd invest about $480/month. That's about $288/month more than reaching $100,000 on the same timeline.
Halfway there first: reaching $125,000 on the same 20-year, 7% plan takes about $240/month - exactly half the deposit, since this math scales linearly with the target.
Have a lump sum instead of a monthly budget? Investing $64,605 today, left untouched for 20 years at a 7% return, would also grow to about $250,000.
Reach your goal faster
- Time is your biggest ally — starting earlier slashes the monthly amount needed.
- Automate deposits so you never miss a month.
- Higher (but realistic) returns dramatically reduce what you must contribute.
Calculations use steady return assumptions and exclude taxes.