The Cost of Spending Today
Move the slider to see what a purchase today could be worth years from now if you invested it instead. This isn't about guilt. It's about seeing the trade-off clearly so you can choose on purpose.
What are you thinking of spending?
What this tool is (and isn't)
This calculator illustrates a trade-off, not a verdict. Spending money today is often the right call: on necessities, on things that support your wellbeing, or on moments that matter. It's simply easier to choose on purpose when you can see both sides.
Want to understand how compound growth works? Read investing basics: RRSPs, TFSAs, and compound growth.
The trade-off
This calculator uses monthly compounding and a hypothetical, steady return for illustration only. It does not account for taxes, fees, or inflation, and investment returns are never guaranteed. It is educational, not financial advice, and not a judgment about any purchase.