The Squeeze Test
If you're in the middle, one dollar amount can feel pulled in three directions at once: your kids, your parents, your own future. See what it actually becomes under each.
The Squeeze Test
One amount. Three real, competing claims on it. See what it becomes under each.
A bonus, a raise, or an amount you just freed up. Whatever it is, put it here monthly.
Adjust the assumptions
A typical savings account rate. This money needs to be there when it's needed, not tied up chasing growth.
What this becomes, doing three jobs at once
Tax-advantaged growth, invested for the long run.
Held, not invested — available the moment it's needed.
Long-term growth to your time horizon.
These aren't the same kind of money, so they shouldn't be modeled the same way. An education fund and a retirement account can afford to ride out the market because there's time on their side. A parent's care costs can show up on short notice, so that money needs to be there in full, not hoping the market cooperates first. Same dollar, three honest treatments.
Illustrative estimates only, based on the assumptions above, not guarantees of actual investment or savings performance. Nothing is saved or sent.