Setting Aside Extra Each Month Has a Positive Impact
Contributing a small or large amount of additional savings can make a huge impact later on.
How to Calculate Additional Savings
Annual Income
Your annual income is the total amount of money you earn in a year before taxes and other deductions. This includes salary, bonuses, and any other sources of income.
Current Savings
Current savings refer to the total amount of money you have already saved. This includes savings in bank accounts, investments, and retirement funds.
Annual Savings Rate
The annual savings rate is the percentage of your annual income that you save each year. This can be calculated by dividing your annual savings by your annual income.
Additional Savings
Additional savings refer to any extra money saved on top of your regular savings. This can come from bonuses, tax refunds, or other sources.
Assumptions
When calculating additional savings, certain assumptions need to be made to provide a realistic estimate.
Annual Salary Increase
This is the expected percentage increase in your annual income due to raises or promotions. For example, if you expect a 3% annual raise, this will affect your future income and savings potential.
Annual Rate of Return
This is the percentage return you expect to earn on your investments each year. A higher rate of return can significantly boost your savings over time.
Marginal Tax Rate
Your marginal tax rate is the percentage of tax applied to your additional income. For example, if your marginal tax rate is 25%, you will need to adjust your savings calculations to reflect the post-tax amount.
Evaluation PeriodThe evaluation period is the timeframe over which you plan to calculate your savings. This can be a year, five years, or any period that aligns with your financial goals.
Ways You Can Save More
- Reduce Unnecessary Expenses - Review your monthly expenses and identify areas where you can cut back, such as dining out, entertainment, or subscription services.
- Increase Income Streams - Look for opportunities to increase your income, such as taking on a part-time job, freelancing, or investing in income-generating assets.
- Automate Savings - Set up automatic transfers to your savings account to ensure you consistently save a portion of your income. This reduces the temptation to spend extra money.
- Take Advantage of Employer Benefits - Maximize contributions to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), especially if your employer offers matching contributions.
- Refinance Debt - Lower interest rates on existing debts through refinancing to reduce monthly payments and increase your capacity to save.
- Shop Smart - Use coupons, buy in bulk, and take advantage of sales to reduce grocery and household expenses.
- Invest Wisely - Diversify your investments to optimize returns and manage risk, aiming for a balance that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.