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Quick Answer
At an assumed 6% a year, S$500 a month for 20 years could grow to about S$231,020, of which S$120,000 is money you put in. Over 30 years it could reach about S$502,258. Returns are not guaranteed, and fees, tax and market falls can lower the result.
The Useful Number: S$500 a month for 20 years at an assumed 6% a year could grow to about S$231,020. You would put in S$120,000; the rest is modelled growth, not a promise.
How Does Investing Every Month Add Up?
Each month’s S$500 starts earning returns, and those returns earn returns of their own. Early on, most of your balance is money you put in. Over long periods, growth can become the bigger part. This is compounding.
Investing a set amount every month is sometimes called dollar-cost averaging or a regular savings plan. It does not remove the risk of loss.
What Could S$500 A Month Grow To?
These figures assume a steady 6% a year, added monthly, with no fees or tax. They are not forecasts.
- 10 years: S$60,000 put in: About S$81,940
- 20 years: S$120,000 put in: About S$231,020
- 30 years: S$180,000 put in: About S$502,258
Over 20 years, S$120,000 is money you put in and about S$111,020 is modelled growth. At 4% a year, 20 years would give about S$183,387. Fees of even 1% a year make a big dent over decades: see the investment fees guide.
- Money You Put In: S$120,000
- Modelled Growth: S$111,020
- About S$231,020: S$231,020
Data as of . Source: MoneySense — Investment Risk.
What Does The Example Leave Out?
Real returns go up and down, and you can lose money. The example leaves out fees, tax, inflation and the cost of each purchase. Keep money you need soon in cash, not shares.
What Should You Do Before You Start?
Build an emergency fund first with the emergency fund guide. Then use the compound growth calculator with your own amount and years, and see what delaying costs with the cost of waiting calculator. This guide recommends no product.
Quick Check
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Card 1 Of 3
S$500 a month for 20 years at an assumed 6% could grow to about S$231,020.
Card 2 Of 3
Investing the same amount every month removes the risk of loss.
Why?
Real returns go up and down, and you can lose money.
Card 3 Of 3
A lower return makes little difference over 20 years.
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Open The Compound Growth Calculator → See What Waiting Costs →Frequently Asked Questions
What Could S$500 A Month Grow To In 10 Years?
At an assumed 6% a year, about S$81,940, of which S$60,000 is money you put in.
Returns vary, and you can lose money.
What If The Return Is Only 4% A Year?
S$500 a month for 20 years would give about S$183,387 instead of about S$231,020.
Test a lower return before relying on any figure.
Is Investing Every Month The Same As Dollar-Cost Averaging?
Investing a set amount every month is often called dollar-cost averaging or a regular savings plan.
It spreads your purchases over time but does not remove the risk of loss.
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Sources & Assumptions
Sources checked 4 October 2026. These are examples only. Check the stated assumptions and limits before you use a result.
General information and estimates, not advice. Assumes a steady 6% yearly return added monthly, with no fees, tax or inflation. Checked 4 October 2026.