Compound projection guide
A compound projection is a scenario, not a prediction. It shows what could happen if a starting amount, monthly contribution, return assumption, and time period all behave the way you entered them.
Separate contributions from profits
One of the most useful habits is separating money you added from money that was earned by growth. If your portfolio rises by 500, but you added 400 from salary, your investment growth was not 500. CashBinder’s projection view is designed to make that distinction easier to see.
Why small assumptions matter
A monthly return that looks small can have a large effect over time. A return assumption should be realistic, conservative, and connected to actual risk. High projected returns usually imply higher uncertainty. If a projection makes you feel too confident, reduce the return and test a slower scenario.
Starting amount
The first value in the scenario. You can use current net worth or enter a separate amount.
Monthly addition
Money you expect to add regularly. This is contribution, not profit.
Accumulated profits
The part of projected growth that comes from return assumptions rather than new contributions.
Time horizon
Short periods are easier to understand. Longer periods become more uncertain.
How to read the chart
Use the chart to compare directions, not to guarantee future results. A clean projection should answer three questions: how much did I start with, how much did I personally add, and how much came from assumed growth?
Conservative scenario planning
Create at least two cases: a slow case and a good case. The slow case helps you plan without depending on luck. The good case shows what happens if income, saving, or investment performance improves. Avoid using the best case as your normal expectation.