Topic guide
Investment Assumptions
Practical explanations of return, inflation, dividends, and fees so scenario inputs can be compared consistently.
4 published articles in this topic.
Investment AssumptionsScenario Planning
How to Choose a Return Assumption for an S&P 500 Calculator
A practical framework for testing conservative, central, and higher return assumptions without treating a calculator as a forecast.
Investment Assumptions
How Inflation Changes an S&P 500 Investment Projection
Learn the difference between nominal and inflation-adjusted balances, the formula used, and the limits of using one fixed inflation rate.
Investment Assumptions
How Investment Fees Compound Over 10, 20, and 30 Years
See why a small annual fee can create a larger long-term difference and how to model fees without double counting them.
Investment AssumptionsCalculator Methodology
S&P 500 Price Return vs Total Return: What Your Calculator Is Measuring
Understand the difference between S&P 500 price return and total return, how dividends change the result, and which assumption to use in a projection.