Sequence of Returns Calculator

See how fees impact your long-term returns using actual S&P 500 historical data from 1996 to 2025.

S&P 500 Annual Performance

Drag the window to explore any 10-year period

30-yr avg return

+11.9%

1996199920022005200820112014201720202023-40%-20%0%20%40%
2005–2014

2005–2014 Returns

Starting: $100,000

No Fee$209,421
1% Fee$189,397
2% Fee$171,113

Source: Slickcharts.com/sp500/returns. Total returns including dividends reinvested.

Your Investment

$

Current value: $100,000

$
%

Withdrawal: $0

No Fee

Pure market returns

2005–2014 Window Return

$209,421

Total Fees$0
Lost Potential$0

1% Annual Fee

Typical advisor fee

2005–2014 Window Return

$189,397

Total Fees$130,192(6.8%)
Lost Potential-$498,250(26.0%)

2% Annual Fee

High-cost fund

2005–2014 Window Return

$171,113

Total Fees$212,788(11.1%)
Lost Potential-$870,007(45.5%)

💡 The Cost of Fees: A seemingly small 2% annual fee would cost you $870,007 over 30 years compared to a no-fee investment.