About this DCA Calculator
Dollar-Cost Averaging or DCA is one of the most popular strategy in
investing. It aims to spread the investment over multiple transactions
to reduce risk of investing the whole amount at the wrong time. This
calculator is created to help you calculate and visualize the plan and
milestones for DCA portfolio.
What is Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)?
Dollar Cost Averaging,
also known as DCA, is an investment strategy that tries to minimize the
risk of overpaying for any asset by dividing the invested capital into
same small amounts and periodically investing that amount into an asset
over time instead of one lump sum investment.
How does Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) work?
DCA works by investing the investment amount across multiple buys. This
results in buying less shares when the price is expensive and buy more
shares when it's cheaper. This reduces the risk of investing the whole
amount at a bad time (i.e. just before market crash).
How to use this DCA calculator?
In the investment journey, having a tool that can help you visualize
your goal clearly and work toward your financial goal with more clarity
is invaluable. Portseido's Free Online DCA Calculator is a tool that
empowers individuals to plan and grow their portfolios.
Understanding the Inputs:
1. Time Horizon (Years):
This is the duration over which you plan to invest. Input the desired
number of years.
2. Initial Investment:
Enter the starting amount to invest. This provides the baseline for your
future projections.
3. Expected Annual Return:
Specify the anticipated annual return on your investments. This figure
helps the calculator estimate the growth of your portfolio over time.
4. Additional Investment:
Input any additional funds you plan to contribute regularly. You can
choose the frequency, whether monthly or annually, depending on your
financial habits.
5. Additional Investment Growth (Percent and Frequency):
Define the growth rate for your additional contributions. This feature
allows you to account for salary increases, bonuses, or other financial
increments. Choose whether this growth occurs year over year or month
over month.
Executing the Calculation:
Once you've entered all the necessary information, click on the
"Calculate" button. The DCA Calculator will process your inputs and
generate a outputs to guide your financial planning.
Understanding the Outputs:
1. Final Result:
The calculator will display the projected final amount. This represents
the target amount you aim to achieve within the specified time horizon.
2. Portfolio Projection Graph:
Visualize your portfolio's projected growth over time with an
easy-to-understand graph. This graphical representation provides a quick
overview of your financial trajectory.
3. Portfolio Projection Table:
Explore a detailed table that breaks down your portfolio progression
over the specified time horizon. The table includes multiple tabs for
"Value," "Contribution," and "Return," allowing you to analyze each
aspect of your financial plan.