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What are the common mistakes people make when using a Future Value Calculator?

  1. Using unrealistic interest rates: Many optimistically project future returns to be higher when historical data suggests them being on the lower side for equity returns over the long term. This gives an inflated future value.
  2. Assuming fixed, constant returns: In reality, investment returns vary each year. But people simply extend the past few years' returns far into the future.
  3. Ignoring taxes and inflation: Taxes can substantially reduce net returns, while inflation eats away at purchasing power. Not accounting for them gives an incorrect future value.
  4. Setting an unrealistically long-time horizon: While long investment horizons allow compounding, predicting 40-50 years into the future is impractical. 15-20 years is more reasonable.
  5. Not considering fees: Transaction costs and fund management fees reduce returns, impacting future value. But many ignore fees when making projections.
  6. Not reviewing regularly: Requirements and returns change over time, so future value projections must be reviewed and adjusted regularly.
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