Goal-seeking
How Much Should I Save Per Month for a Goal?
Monthly saving depends on your goal, deadline, starting balance, and any interest assumption you choose to model. This guide keeps the math simple, shares quick examples, and links straight to the calculator.
Published: December 22, 2025 · Updated: December 22, 2025 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Open the calculator
Enter your goal, deadline, and contributions to see an illustrative monthly target.
Open the Savings Goal Timeline CalculatorQuick answer
Monthly saving ≈ (goal − starting balance) ÷ months if you set growth to 0%.
Adding an interest assumption may lower the modeled monthly amount, but it stays illustrative only.
See more on rate choices: rate assumptions.
Disclaimer
Educational purposes only; not financial advice. Examples are illustrative; interest/returns vary and outcomes are not guaranteed. Fees, taxes, inflation, and rules differ by country and provider.
The 5 variables that change the answer
Goal amount
The total you want to reach. Bigger targets raise the monthly need.
Deadline / horizon
Shorter timelines mean higher monthly amounts; longer timelines spread the load.
Starting balance
Any money already saved reduces what’s left to fund.
Monthly contribution
The amount you’re solving for—adjust until the timeline meets your target date.
Optional interest/rate assumption
An illustrative rate that can lower the modeled monthly need; it is not a promise.
A simple no-interest baseline
Set the rate to 0% to see a saving-only target. Example: £6,000 over 24 months → about £250 per month (illustrative).
Test your own numbers: Savings Goal Timeline Calculator.
Worked examples
Example A: short timeline
Goal £1,200 in 12 months. Starting £0. Rate 0% (baseline). Baseline monthly ≈ £100. Try weekly if that matches your income cadence.
Try it in the calculatorExample B: starting balance helps
Goal £10,000 in 36 months. Starting £2,000. Baseline monthly ≈ (£10,000 − £2,000)/36 ≈ £222 (illustrative). You can test low/base/high rates if you want a sensitivity view.
Try it in the calculatorExample C: deadline trade-off
Same goal £10,000, starting £2,000, rate 0% baseline.
| Timeline | Baseline monthly |
|---|---|
| 36 months | ≈ £222 |
| 60 months | ≈ £133 |
Longer time lowers the monthly amount but takes longer to finish.
Try it in the calculatorRun 3 scenarios (planning, not prediction)
- Scenario 1: 0% rate for a saving-only baseline.
- Scenario 2: Low assumption (illustrative).
- Scenario 3: Base assumption (illustrative).
Keep assumptions consistent and compare monthly vs weekly if helpful. Rate ideas: rate assumptions.
Test your scenarios: Savings Goal Timeline Calculator.
Common pitfalls
- Mixing weekly and monthly numbers when the frequency is set differently.
- Forgetting to include your starting balance.
- Treating an interest assumption as guaranteed.
- Ignoring inflation on very long horizons.
- Changing multiple variables at once when comparing scenarios.
FAQ
Can the calculator solve for my monthly savings automatically?
If the tool has a “required contribution” mode, use it. Otherwise, adjust the monthly amount until the timeline meets your deadline.
What if my income is irregular?
Use an average monthly figure for planning, then rerun with updated inputs when contributions change.
Should I include an interest rate?
You can set 0% for a baseline. If you add a rate, keep it illustrative and consistent across scenarios. See rate assumptions.
What if I save weekly instead of monthly?
Select the matching frequency and enter the matching amount. Avoid mixing a monthly number with a weekly setting.
What if I miss a month?
Rerun the calculator with the missed contribution removed and see how much extra or how many more months you might need.
Does inflation matter?
For long timelines, inflation can change purchasing power. Some people lower the rate assumption to approximate a “real” view.
Are the results guaranteed?
No. Outputs are illustrative and depend on the inputs you choose.
Where can I find more answers?
See the Savings Goal Timeline Calculator FAQ.
Try your monthly plan
Enter your goal and deadline, then test monthly amounts until the timeline fits.
Open the Savings Goal Timeline Calculator