How to use Family-Friendly Mortgage Calculator & CAGR Planner
- Enter your starting value. Type in the original amount you invested or saved — for example, the $5,000 you put into a college fund five years ago.
- Enter your ending value. Add the current balance of that account today. This is what the investment has grown to over time.
- Enter the number of years. Type how long the money has been growing. Even partial years work — try 3.5 if you're halfway through year four.
- Hit calculate. Click the button and the tool instantly shows your compound annual growth rate as a clean percentage.
- Compare your results. Try different scenarios — your 401k, the kids' savings, or a home equity estimate — to see which is pulling its weight.
- Plan your next move. Use the CAGR to set realistic family goals, like how much to save monthly for a future down payment or tuition bill.