Investing $500 every month at a 7% average annual return grows to $260,463 in 20 years. You contribute $120,000 in total, and compound interest adds $140,463.

Key Numbers

• •Total after 20 years at 7%: $260,463
• •Total contributions: $120,000
• •Interest earned: $140,463
• •Starting with a $10,000 lump sum as well: $300,851