coffeeorstocks

What could that €4 coffee become?

Enter something you're about to buy, choose a time period, and see what the same money could be worth if it were invested instead.

Try it

The default 10% approximates the S&P 500’s long-term historical annualised total return with dividends reinvested. It is before inflation, fees and taxes, and is not a forecast. The historical figure is in US dollars; this euro illustration does not model exchange-rate changes. Source and assumptions.

If invested instead
Illustrative comparison using your selected annual rate (10% by default, based on approximate historical S&P 500 total returns). Before inflation, taxes and fees. Assumes reinvested returns. See the calculation and limitations.
10% a yearApproximate historical S&P 500 annualised total return, with dividends reinvested. Used as the default comparison, not a forecast.
Compound growthThe return is calculated on both the original amount and previous gains.
Not a forecastMarkets rise and fall. This is a simple “what if” calculator, not investment advice.

Small spend. Long timeline.

The point isn't that you should never buy coffee. It's to show how time changes the value of money.

A small amount today can look very different after 5, 10 or 20 years of compounding. Change the item, change the price, and see the trade-off instantly.

Make sense of the number

A future balance includes both money you set aside and modelled growth. A daily habit means 365 contributions a year; “just once” means a single contribution today. The default 10% approximates the S&P 500’s long-term historical annualised total return with dividends reinvested. It is before inflation, fees and taxes, and is not a forecast. The historical figure is in US dollars; this euro illustration does not model exchange-rate changes.

Use the calculator to compare realistic changes: two fewer coffees a week, a cancelled subscription, or a one-off purchase. You do not have to give up every small pleasure to make a useful plan.

Explore the guides

Should you really give up your daily coffee?

A practical framework for comparing small spending habits without treating every purchase as a mistake.

Compound growth: what actually does the work?

Understand compounding through a €100 example, and see why time and contributions matter.

One-off purchases and recurring habits are different decisions

Learn to compare subscriptions, takeaways and occasional purchases on a consistent basis.

What inflation, fees and taxes change

Learn why a future account balance is different from future spending power.

An assumed return is not a market forecast

Understand the limits of smooth growth projections and why diversification does not eliminate losses.

Common questions

Does this mean I should stop buying coffee?

No. The calculator measures a financial alternative, not the enjoyment or convenience of a purchase. Model a change you would actually be happy to keep.

Is the result guaranteed?

No. It uses one constant assumed rate. Real markets fluctuate, and you can lose money. Read why assumed returns are uncertain.

Does it include inflation, fees or taxes?

No. Figures are nominal and before costs or tax. Our guide to inflation and costs explains the difference between an account balance and spending power.

Why use 10% for the S&P 500 comparison?

The S&P 500’s long-term historical annualised total return is roughly 10% with dividends reinvested. This rounded benchmark keeps the “invested instead” comparison simple. Exact returns depend on the period measured, and future returns can be lower or negative. See how it works.