Savings goal calculator
Whatever you're saving for, see exactly how many months it'll take at your current contribution rate.
Balance over time
See your balance grow toward your goal, and how a bigger monthly contribution speeds things up.
What this means for you
See how much sooner you'd reach your goal with a bigger monthly contribution.
Compare contribution amounts
See how much sooner a bigger monthly contribution would get you to your goal.
| Scenario | Monthly contribution | Time to goal |
|---|---|---|
| Current | $0 | — |
| +$50/month | $0 | — |
| +$100/month | $0 | — |
For short-to-medium goals, your contribution amount usually matters far more than the interest rate — a bigger monthly amount is the most reliable lever you have.
Assumptions & sources
Typical NZ savings account and term deposit interest rates from major banks.
1 July 2026
17 July 2026
Month-by-month simulation: each month your balance earns interest, then your fixed contribution is added, until the balance reaches your target.
Your starting balance, fixed monthly contribution, and interest compounding monthly at your chosen rate.
Tax (RWT) on interest earned, and any rate changes your bank makes over the saving period.
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Read article →Making a savings goal realistic
The two levers that matter most are your monthly contribution and your starting point — interest helps, especially over longer timeframes, but for most short-to-medium goals it's a smaller factor than simply how much you set aside each month. Automating a transfer on payday, before you can spend it, is one of the most reliable ways to hit a savings target on schedule.
For goals within the next 1-3 years, a savings account or term deposit is usually the safer home for the money, since the balance won't drop right before you need it. Growth-style investments suit longer horizons where short-term dips have time to recover.
Frequently asked questions
Use the actual rate on the account you'll keep the money in. NZ savings accounts and term deposits commonly sit around 3-5% p.a. depending on the provider and term — check your bank's current rate for anything time-sensitive.
For goals within 1-3 years, a savings account or term deposit is usually safer since the balance won't drop right before you need it. Growth investments suit longer horizons where you can ride out short-term dips.
