Over the long term, U.S. stocks have delivered a compounded annual return of around 8%.* Although nothing in today’s world is guaranteed, you can use the classic Rule of 72 to estimate the number of years it will take to double an investment at a given rate of return. Using 8% as an example, a gift of $15,000 will double in 9 years to approximately $30,000 (72/8 = 9), and more than triple in 18 years to nearly $60,000.
Alternatively, contributing a lower amount each year of $1,000 for 15 years at 8%, a newborn would potentially have almost $37,000 at age 18. The key is to get started now and stick to the plan, in good markets or bad.
The gift of knowledge can be just as important as a monetary one and this simple illustration provides a vivid lesson. An individual making tax-deferred contributions to a retirement account of $2,000 annually for 10 years beginning at age 18 ($20,000 total) at 8%, can accumulate more than $580,000 by age 65.
However, individual who waits until the age of 28 to start their annual $2,000 contributions at the same rate of return, would accumulate just $475,000. The “magic” of compound interest reinforces the lesson to invest early.
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*Source: Political Calculations, “The S&P 500 at Your Fingertips,” 10/31/1987 to 10/31/2017 **Assumes 8% as hypothetical rate of return
The Rule of 72 is a mathematical concept and is not illustrative of any Heartland investment. The examples generated are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes only. It does not guarantee or predict how an investment will perform. It is an approximation of the effect of given rates of return and assumes a long-term investment horizon of greater than 20 years. It is important to keep in mind that most investments, including mutual funds, do not grow at a steady rate and the Rule of 72 should only be used as a guide in setting long-term investment goals.
Neither Heartland nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice. For guidance on a specific situation, investors should consult their tax adviser or legal counsel.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.