Portfolio Milestones & Goal Solver Calculator (Excel)
Find the real milestones that matter — and the exact numbers required to reach your financial goals.
Ever feel like the “first $100,000 milestone” doesn’t reflect your real situation, your goals, or your timeline?
This calculator gives you personalised milestones and clear, data-backed answers based entirely on your numbers.
It works out exactly:
✓When each meaningful milestone happens, including
• your first $100k,
• every $100k after that, and
• how long each jump takes based on your inputs
✓ When your portfolio will hit each meaningful income milestone (25%, 50%, 75%, 100% of your target income)
✓When your investment returns will exceed your contributions — the moment your portfolio starts working harder than you do
✓Exactly what it takes to reach a target portfolio value by a target year, by solving the variable you’re unsure about
✓A full year-by-year projection so you can see your progress and course-correct early
No guessing. No generic rules of thumb. Just numbers uniquely tailored to you.
What This Calculator Helps You Do
You’ll be able to:
See the real “takeoff points” for your portfolio
✔Work out your personalised portfolio milestones — when you reach your first $100k, every $100k after that, and how long each jump takes, based on your contributions, returns, and return-growth assumptions.
✔Identify when your portfolio generates 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of your target annual income
✔ Spot the year your investment returns overtake your contributions
✔ Use this to stay motivated and track progress with confidence
Plan around real-life goals, not arbitrary milestones
✔ Enter a target portfolio value and target timeframe
✔ Explore how different contribution levels, increases, starting capital, and returns affect your path
✔ Understand whether your goal is achievable — and what adjustments make it possible
Solve the missing piece of your financial plan
The calculator includes four built-in “Goal Solver” scenarios:
- Solve Initial Investment – Find out how much you need to start with
- Solve Annual Contribution – Find out how much to invest each year
- Solve Annual Contribution Increase – Find the increase needed to stay on track
- Solve Expected Return – See what return is required to hit your target
Each scenario locks automatically so you get a clean snapshot of the plan. Unlock anytime to test different variations.
Who This Is For
Perfect for anyone who:
- Want a clearer picture of their investing journey
- Prefer a numbers-driven, practical approach
- Are motivated by meaningful milestones (not vague rules like “first $100k”)
- Want to feel confident about their long-term financial plan
- Enjoy exploring different investment scenarios without doing manual calculations
Whether you're building wealth, planning for early retirement, or simply wanting more clarity — this tool makes your path visible and predictable.
System Requirements
Requires Microsoft Excel (desktop) with macros enabled.
Not compatible with Google Sheets, Excel Online, Numbers, or mobile apps.
Video Tutorial Available
A full YouTube walkthrough is included, showing exactly how to use every feature and scenario.
Who am I?
I’m a former financial planner turned financial educator, focused on making money and retirement planning simple for everyday Australians. This calculator follows the same approach—clear, practical, and easy to understand.
It isn’t a substitute for personalised tax or financial advice, and all modelling has limitations, but it will give you a clear, structured framework to understand your portfolio dynamics, test different pathways, and plan your investing journey with more confidence.
A practical Excel calculator that shows when your portfolio hits each milestone and helps you solve exactly what it takes to reach your financial goals.