$10,000 invested at 7% annual return compounded monthly grows to $40,387 in 20 years. With $200 monthly contributions added, the total grows to $144,677 — with $58,000 from contributions and $76,677 from compound interest.

Key Numbers

• •Starting amount: $10,000
• •$10,000 alone at 7% for 20 years: $40,387
• •With $200/month contributions: $144,677
• •Total contributions: $58,000
• •Interest earned: $76,677