Monthly deposit to reach $5,000
Starting from zero, here's roughly how much you'd need to invest each month to hit $5,000, depending on your timeframe and average annual return:
| Timeframe | 5% return | 7% return | 9% return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 years | $74/mo | $70/mo | $66/mo |
| 10 years | $32/mo | $29/mo | $26/mo |
| 15 years | $19/mo | $16/mo | $13/mo |
| 20 years | $12/mo | $10/mo | $7/mo |
| 25 years | $8/mo | $6/mo | $4/mo |
| 30 years | $6/mo | $4/mo | $3/mo |
For example, to reach $5,000 in 20 years at a 7% return, you'd invest about $10/month.
Halfway there first: reaching $2,500 on the same 20-year, 7% plan takes about $5/month - exactly half the deposit, since this math scales linearly with the target.
Have a lump sum instead of a monthly budget? Investing $1,292 today, left untouched for 20 years at a 7% return, would also grow to about $5,000.
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.