Investing $200 every month at a 7% average annual return grows to $243,994 in 30 years. You contribute $72,000 in total, and compound interest adds $171,994.

Key Numbers

• •Total after 30 years at 7%: $243,994
• •Total contributions: $72,000
• •Interest earned: $171,994
• •Starting with a $10,000 lump sum as well: $325,159