$10,000 invested at 7% annual return compounded monthly grows to $81,165 in 30 years. With $200 monthly contributions added, the total grows to $325,440 — with $82,000 from contributions and $233,440 from compound interest.

Key Numbers

• •Starting amount: $10,000
• •$10,000 alone at 7% for 30 years: $81,165
• •With $200/month contributions: $325,440
• •Total contributions: $82,000
• •Interest earned: $233,440