What feesreally cost.
Investment Fee Calculator: What a 1% Fee Costs Over Time
Set a monthly amount, a time frame and a return. The chart shows the same plan at two fee levels, and the receipt shows exactly what the higher fee costs.
How it works
r = (yearly return − fee) ÷ 12, n = years × 12
Fees are taken from the whole balance every year, including past growth, so small percentages compound into large dollar amounts. This is an illustration with a steady return; real markets go up and down. General education only, not financial advice. More in investing basics.
Common questions
Is a 1% investment fee high?
Compared with broad index funds that often charge well under 0.3%, yes. Over decades, the difference can be tens of thousands of dollars on ordinary monthly contributions, as the calculator shows.
What is the rule of 72?
Divide 72 by the yearly return to estimate how many years money takes to double. At 7%, about 10 years.