Update: Welcome Carnival of the Capitalists!
In looking at the WaPo's Social Security Hoax, Patrick Ruffini has run some "what if" numbers:
What would happen if you invested $1,500 annually for 40 years at a conservative 6% rate of return? Your ending balance would be $246,072, $167,372 MORE than the current system (and eight times more than the Post analysis would lead you to believe).
But what if you want to invest a different amount of money? What if you want to see what a different rate of return might net you? Political CalculationsTM is here for you with the tools to help chart your financial future!
In the table below, enter the indicated information to find out what the future value of your investment will be. One neat feature provided below allows you to account for increases in the amount you regularly deposit into your investment (the rate of escalation). This feature is particularly handy if the amount you regularly deposit is linked to your paycheck, and you receive annual raises!
When you're finished, click the "Calculate" button to see your results.