Free money tools
Savings Goal Calculator
Tell us what you're saving for, how much you've already put away, and when you want it. We'll work backward to the amount you need to set aside each week and month — and split it two ways if you're saving as a couple.
Free to use. Everything runs in your browser — nothing you type is sent anywhere.
How it works
Saving toward a goal by a certain date is easier when you work backward instead of forward. Start with the finish line — the total you need and the date you want it — and the math fills in the rest:
- Your goal — the full amount you're saving for, whether that's a vacation, a wedding, a home down payment, or a new couch.
- Already saved — anything you've set aside so far. We subtract it so you only plan for what's left to go.
- Time to save — how many months until you want to hit the goal. Shorter timelines mean larger contributions.
This is the idea behind a sinking fund: instead of being blindsided by a big expense, you save toward it in small, steady amounts spread over the months leading up to it. We divide what's left by your timeline to show a weekly and monthly target — small enough to actually stick to.
Saving with a partner? We also split the weekly number in half so you can each see your share. Merger is built for two people sharing a life — you can chase the same goal together while keeping your own accounts, no joint account required. It works just as well solo, too.
A worked example
Say you want $5,000 for a trip a year from now, and you've already saved $500. That leaves $4,500 to go over 12 months — about $375 a month, or roughly $87 a week. Splitting it two ways, that's about $43 each per week. Stretch the timeline to 18 months and the weekly number drops to around $58 — the same goal, a gentler pace.
Key terms
- Savings goal
- The total amount you're saving toward — a trip, a wedding, a down payment, an emergency fund, or any specific target you have a number for.
- Sinking fund
- Money you set aside a little at a time for a known future expense, so it doesn't blow up your budget when the bill finally arrives.
- Remaining to save
- Your goal minus what you've already put away — the gap this plan is built to close by your target date.
- Weekly contribution
- How much to set aside each week to reach your goal on time. Smaller, more frequent amounts are usually easier to stick to than one big monthly transfer.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to save each month to reach my goal?
Take what's left to save (your goal minus what you've already set aside) and divide it by the number of months until your target date. The calculator does this for you and also breaks it down to a weekly amount, which many people find easier to manage.
What if I've already saved some money toward this?
Enter it in the "Already saved" field and we'll subtract it from your goal, so your weekly and monthly targets only cover the amount you still need. The closer you are, the smaller the numbers get.
What's a sinking fund and why would I use one?
A sinking fund is money you save gradually for a known future expense — holidays, insurance premiums, a car repair you can see coming. Instead of scrambling when the bill lands, you've quietly set it aside over the months leading up to it.
Can my partner and I save toward the same goal?
Yes. The calculator splits the weekly amount two ways so you can each see your share of a shared goal. With Merger you both get a clear view of the same target while keeping your own accounts — no joint account needed.
Should I save weekly or monthly?
Whichever you'll actually stick to. We show both because smaller weekly amounts can feel more doable and line up with weekly paychecks, while a single monthly transfer is simpler to automate. The total saved over time is the same either way.
What if I can't fit the suggested amount into my budget?
You have two levers: lower the goal or give yourself more time. Pushing your target date out spreads the same amount over more weeks, which shrinks each contribution. Try a longer timeline and watch the weekly number drop until it fits.
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