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The Next Dollar

What should you do with your next dollar?

Simple tools and clear frameworks for figuring out where your savings go next. No get-rich-quick claims, no stock picking, and no pressure-driven financial advice. Most tools here are free; a couple of resources are paid for people who want to go deeper.

Start Here · Core Tool

Investment Growth Calculator

Zero login requiredNo signup, no paywall
$5,000
$0$50k$100k
$500/mo
$0$1,000$2,500$5,000
20 yrs
3y20y40y
7%
3%7%12%
Note on AssumptionsThis is a single assumed annual return with no separate inflation adjustment applied. Historically, broad U.S. stock index funds have averaged roughly 10% annualized nominal return, or roughly 7% once a ~3% long-run inflation rate is backed out. Whether the number you pick represents nominal or inflation-adjusted growth is your assumption to make, not a fact this calculator asserts.
Projected Outcome (20 Years)
$280,657
Total You Put In
$125,000
45% of total
Compound Growth
+$155,657
55% from compounding
Growth Trajectory (0 to 20y)2.2× multiplier
$281kYr 0Yr 10Yr 20
Total balance (with growth)Your direct contributions
2.2× growth multiplier

Tools & Frameworks

All calculators

From YouTube · The Next Dollar

All finance videos

Concise breakdowns supporting the math behind these calculators.

Principles & Next Steps

Employer Match & Debt

Two Common Starting Points

Many people evaluate their employer 401(k) match and any high-interest debt (often above 8%) early, since both can function like a guaranteed return compared with an uncertain market gain. Individual circumstances vary.

Tax-Advantaged Accounts

HSA & Roth Considerations

HSAs and Roth accounts carry tax treatment that a taxable brokerage account doesn’t. Whether and how to use them depends on eligibility and personal tax situation — see the 401(k) Maxed — What Next? tool for more.

Free Resource

The Next Dollar Checklist

A free worksheet of common financial priorities and questions to work through before directing more money toward investing. No email required.

Open the checklist

Go Further

Get new tools and practical money resources

I’ll send you new calculators, guides, and resources when I publish them.

Educational Disclaimer: All calculators, projections, and videos are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Assumptions are historical averages and do not guarantee future returns.