Waiting can help when the money earns a return, the item gets cheaper, or you can save steadily. It can hurt when prices rise faster than your savings and investment growth.
Use a positive rate for inflation or scarcity, and a negative rate for likely sales, depreciation, or technology getting cheaper.
Investment growth and monthly set-asides are different engines. The calculator shows both so the decision is easier to audit.
Try lower returns or a higher future price before deciding. If waiting only works in the perfect case, buying now may be cleaner.
Use the result as a planning signal, not a promise. The best decision is the one that still works if returns are lower or the item costs more than expected.
Waiting looks better
Waiting for New purchase leaves $2,225 after buying later
Buy Now vs Wait
Decision Status
Waiting looks better
Waiting 3.0 years for New purchase can work if your return and savings assumptions hold.
Investment Growth
$486
growth while waiting
Future Item Price
$1,061
2.0% per year
Wait Balance
$3,286
3.0 years
