Purchase Impact Calculator
Before you buy, see how it really affects your path to freedom. Understand the true cost in time, not just money.
Why Calculate Purchase Impact?
Every purchase has two costs: the sticker price you pay today, and the opportunity cost of what that money could have become. A $30,000 car doesn't just cost $30,000 - it costs the $80,000+ that money could have grown to over 15 years.
Time Is Money
See exactly how many extra months you'll need to work to recover from a purchase.
Compound Effect
Every dollar not invested today loses decades of compound growth potential.
True Cost
The sticker price is often 2-3x less than the real opportunity cost.
Common Purchase Impacts
Here's how typical purchases affect a FIRE timeline (assuming $100k saved, $2k/month contributions):
Actual impact varies based on your savings rate, current portfolio, and expected returns
It's About Conscious Spending
This calculator isn't meant to make you feel guilty about spending. It's a tool for making informed decisions. Some purchases are absolutely worth delaying retirement for - experiences, safety, health, education.
The goal is to spend on what truly matters to you and cut ruthlessly on what doesn't. Use this calculator to separate the meaningful purchases from the mindless ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a purchase affect my FIRE date?
Every dollar spent is a dollar not invested. But it's more than that - it's also the compound growth that dollar would have earned. A $30,000 car purchase could cost you $60,000+ in opportunity cost over 10-15 years.
What is opportunity cost?
Opportunity cost is what you give up by choosing one option over another. When you spend $1,000, the opportunity cost includes the future value that $1,000 could have grown to if invested instead.
Does this mean I should never buy anything?
Absolutely not! The goal is awareness, not deprivation. Some purchases bring joy, utility, or experiences worth the time trade-off. The key is making conscious decisions about what's worth it TO YOU.
How is the extra work time calculated?
We calculate your years to FI with and without the purchase, then find the difference. This shows how much longer you'd need to work to reach the same financial independence goal.
What about purchases that save money long-term?
Great point! Some purchases (solar panels, efficient car, etc.) reduce future expenses. This calculator shows the simple impact - you'd need to factor in future savings separately to get the full picture.
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Not financial advice. This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Results are estimates based on the inputs you provide and historical data. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personalized guidance. Read our editorial guidelines.