Last updated: 2026 assumptions reviewed. Assumptions & sources
Tools & Resources

What Your Habits Are Costing Your Retirement

Track multiple habits at once. I'm not telling you to stop. I'm just showing you the number.

Quick Adds

Click any preset to add it to your habit list.

Your Habits

Your Timeline

These settings apply to all your habits.

years
years
%

The Real Price Tag

Total Monthly Cost
$0
add a habit above to get started
Total Spent
$0
over 0 years
If Invested Instead
$0
at retirement
What Compounding Adds
$0
growth on top of contributions — the compounding premium
Breakdown by Habit
Habit Monthly Total Cost If Invested

How This Works

Two questions sit behind every number on this page.

What does it cost you directly?

Monthly equivalent multiplied by 12 months multiplied by years to retirement. No tricks.

What would it be worth if you invested it?

The future value formula for monthly contributions: FV = PMT x [((1+r)^n - 1) / r] where r is the monthly rate and n is the number of months. This is what a TFSA or RRSP contribution of the same amount would compound to by retirement, assuming a consistent annual return.

This is not investment advice. Past returns don't guarantee future results. The 7% default is a commonly cited long-term estimate for a diversified equity portfolio - it is not a promise. The real number for your situation depends on your actual investments, fees, and timing. Talk to a qualified financial planner before making decisions. But the math is real.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a $6 coffee every workday cost me per year?

About $1,560 per year (assuming 260 workdays). Over ten years, that same money invested at 7% annual return would grow to approximately $21,500. The calculator shows both the annual and long-term cost of any spending habit so you can make an informed decision.

Is it wrong to spend money on small pleasures?

No. The goal is not to eliminate enjoyment from your budget but to spend intentionally. Knowing the true cost of a habit helps you decide whether it is worth it. If the daily coffee brings real value to your morning, keep it. If it is just a default, that is worth examining.

Does this calculator assume the money is invested?

Yes, the long-term calculation assumes the daily or monthly habit cost is redirected to an investment earning the rate of return you select. This is a hypothetical illustration, not a guaranteed outcome. It is meant to show the opportunity cost of spending habits over time.

How do I use this to build a better budget?

Start with your largest habits, not your smallest. A gym membership you never use costs more than a daily coffee. Enter each recurring discretionary expense and see its annual and long-term cost. Then decide which ones are earning their keep.

What is a reasonable rate of return to use in this calculator?

For long-term projections (ten years or more), 5-7% is a reasonable real return assumption for a diversified index fund portfolio. Use 4-5% if you want a more conservative estimate or if the money would go into a savings account rather than investments.