How investment fees affect a growth estimate
See how two annual fee assumptions change a hypothetical investment balance.
Published October 13, 2026 · GoalAdvisor · Educational guide
A small annual difference can accumulate
Our fee calculator subtracts an annual fee assumption from a constant gross effective annual return. The resulting balances differ because of both the assumed fee and the growth those dollars could otherwise have earned.
A checked example
Start with $100,000, add no further contributions, invest for 20 years and assume a constant 7% gross annual return. With a 0.1% annual fee, the ending estimate is $379,799.25. With a 1% fee, it is $320,713.55. The difference is $59,085.70.
What this example cannot tell you
The 7% return is hypothetical. Actual returns fluctuate and may be negative. The model approximates fees as a reduction in return and excludes taxes. It does not assess service quality, investment risk, transaction costs or suitability. A fee comparison alone cannot determine which investment or service to choose.
Explore your assumptions
Use the sliders to vary the fees, horizon and return, then type exact values if needed. Compare a range of assumptions without treating any one result as a forecast.
Fee Impact Calculator · Compound Interest Calculator · Model methodology