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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 sales funnels. Free, open, and educational.

Start Here · Core Tool

Investment Growth Calculator

Zero login requiredConservative real returns
$5,000
$0$50k$100k
$500/mo
$0$1,000$2,500$5,000
20 yrs
3y20y40y
7%
3% (bonds)7% (real)10% (nominal)
Note on AssumptionsHistorically, broad index funds (e.g. S&P 500 or Total US Stock Market) have averaged ~10% nominal annual return, or ~7% after inflation. Using 7% yields numbers in today’s purchasing power.
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

Tools & Frameworks

Built in priority order. If a tool is still being built, its methodology is being refined first.

investingInteractive

Investment Growth Calculator

Model how small monthly additions compound over 10 to 30 years with realistic, conservative returns. See the exact split between your deposits and compound growth.

Launch tool
planningUpcoming

Monthly Investment Needed Calculator

Work backwards from your target portfolio number to see the exact monthly contribution needed given your current age, timeline, and expected rate of return.

In development
retirementUpcoming

401(k) Maxed — What Next?

An interactive decision tree for what to do after capturing your employer match or filling your elective deferral (HSA, Backdoor Roth IRA, Mega Backdoor, taxable brokerage).

In development
cashUpcoming

Cash Buffer & Emergency Fund Calculator

Determine exactly how much cash to keep in liquid reserves vs. what is dragging down your long-term purchasing power.

In development

From YouTube · The Next Dollar

All finance videos

Concise breakdowns supporting the math behind these calculators.

Principles & Next Steps

Order of Operations

Capture Match → High-Interest Debt

Always prioritize guaranteed returns: capturing 100% employer 401(k) matches and clearing high-interest debt (>8%) before optimizing taxable buckets.

Tax-Advantaged First

HSA & Roth Strategies

Triple-tax-advantaged HSAs and backdoor Roth strategies shield compound returns from capital gains taxes over decades.

Upcoming Resource

The Next Dollar Decision Matrix

A downloadable step-by-step checklist matching your income bracket and employer benefits to the optimal next dollar allocation.

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.