How $10K grows over 20 years
Compound interest turns patience into wealth. Your $10,000 earns interest, then the interest earns interest. By year 10, you have $19,672. By year 20, $38,697. The growth accelerates — you earn more in the last 5 years than in the first 10.
$10K over 20 years at different rates
| Annual Return | Final Balance | Interest Earned |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | $26,533 | $16,533 |
| 7% | $38,697 | $28,697 |
| 9% | $56,044 | $46,044 |
| 11% | $80,623 | $70,623 |
What if you add $200/month?
If you invest $10,000 upfront AND add $200/month for 20 years, your balance grows to $142,497. Your total contributions would be $58,000, meaning $84,497 is pure compound growth — more than your contributions.