Compound growth
Nominal annual growth compounds daily, monthly or annually as selected; the equivalent monthly factor is used between cash flows. With an effective annual rate, that annual return is fixed. Contributions arrive at the start or end of each selected monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual contribution period. The entered contribution is the amount per period, and increases at twelve-month anniversaries if escalation is entered. Today’s purchasing power divides the final value by cumulative assumed inflation.
Inflation
Future cost equals today’s amount multiplied by (1 + annual inflation) to the power of the years entered. Purchasing power divides the unchanged amount by that same factor.
Retirement
Saving is added at month end before retirement. During retirement, spending less other income is withdrawn at month start. The target pot discounts these withdrawals and a terminal legacy. Constant returns do not model sequence risk, tax or uncertain longevity.
Education
Each academic year’s tuition and living costs are inflated separately and paid at its start, including costs due immediately. A monthly solver estimates saving needed without an unfunded future payment. A family fund shares assets; separate plans keep them distinct.
Protection
Income or outgoings over the selected period are added to debts and commitments, then allocated cover and assets are deducted. The result is floored at zero. There is no underwriting, recommendation, discounting or inflation adjustment.
Reference rates and benchmark data
Exchange rates are daily reference snapshots, not execution quotes. The Guide displays the date and a stale-data message where appropriate. Benchmark costs are starting assumptions, not statements about your own expenditure.