Chart explainer
Savings Goal Timeline Chart Explained
The chart shows how your balance could grow over time based on your inputs. Milestones mark progress toward the goal so you can see whether you’re on track under the current assumptions.
Published: December 22, 2025 · Updated: December 22, 2025 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
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View your own chart and milestones with your numbers.
Open the Savings Goal Timeline CalculatorQuick answer
X-axis: time (weeks/months/years based on your settings). Y-axis: projected balance.
Milestones show progress toward your goal; “you vs growth” separates contributions from earnings.
See the breakdown: contributions vs interest earned.
Disclaimer
Educational purposes only; not financial advice. Charts are model outputs based on assumptions; real outcomes vary and results aren’t guaranteed. Fees, taxes, inflation, and rules differ by country and provider.
What the curve represents
It’s a projection under your inputs: contribution pattern, starting balance, and any optional rate assumption. It’s not a forecast. If you change the inputs, the curve and milestones update.
Chart legend: what to look at
Start point
Shows your starting balance; if it’s £0, the line starts at zero.
Slope
Reflects saving speed and any growth. Steeper means faster progress under the assumptions.
Milestone markers
Progress points (25%, 50%, 75%, goal) to show how close you are.
Goal line
If shown, it marks the target amount and when the curve meets it.
Milestones
Milestones are check-ins. They help you see whether you’re ahead or behind your current plan. If you’re behind, you can adjust amount, frequency, or timeline to see how the curve moves.
Contributions vs interest/earnings
Contributions are what you put in (starting balance plus deposits). Earnings/growth are the estimated extra from any rate assumption. Growth can accelerate over time in a constant-rate model because more of your balance is working.
See more: contributions vs interest earned.
What drives the slope
- Contribution amount: larger amounts steepen the line.
- Contribution frequency: weekly vs monthly changes timing.
- Starting balance: a higher start lifts the curve from day one.
- Rate assumption: optional; can curve the line upward in the model.
- Contribution timing: start vs end of period affects how long money sits. See timing details.
For more on curve shapes, read compound interest chart explained.
Mini walkthrough example
Goal £5,000; starting £500; contribution £150/month; rate 0% baseline. The line rises steadily from contributions. Milestones appear near £1,625 (25%), £2,750 (50%), £3,875 (75%), then the goal. Adding a rate assumption can bend the line upward (illustrative).
Try it in the calculator: Savings Goal Timeline Calculator.
Common misreads
- Treating the curve as guaranteed.
- Comparing scenarios where multiple inputs changed at once.
- Confusing contributions with earnings.
- Forgetting weeks/months don’t align perfectly when switching frequency.
FAQ
What does the curve mean?
It’s an estimated balance path under your current inputs, not a forecast.
Why does the curve bend upward sometimes?
An optional rate assumption can add growth over time, curving the line upward in the model.
What are milestones?
Progress markers (25%, 50%, 75%, goal) that show how far along the path you are.
What’s the difference between contributions and earnings?
Contributions are what you put in; earnings are the modeled growth from any rate assumption.
Why does weekly vs monthly look different?
More frequent deposits can change timing and slightly shift the curve.
What if I change the rate assumption?
The curve updates. Higher rates tilt it upward in the model; 0% shows pure saving speed.
Are the chart results guaranteed?
No. They depend on inputs and assumptions and are illustrative only.
Where can I see the full breakdown?
See contributions vs interest earned for more detail.
Run 2–3 scenarios
Try a baseline (0%), a low assumption, and a base assumption to see how the curve and milestones move.
Open the Savings Goal Timeline Calculator