The actual returns of dollar-cost averaging into the NASDAQ mentioned above, let's continue this topic:

Using more realistic rates of return, we’ll give you a version that "ordinary people can actually achieve," while also considering inflation, making it more valuable as a reference.
1. First, set some "down-to-earth" assumptions
We assume levels that ordinary domestic investors can achieve steadily over the long term:
• Monthly investment: 1,000 yuan (unchanged)
• Investment period: 30 years (unchanged)
• Monthly compound interest, with three annualized return scenarios:
1. Conservative: 4% annual return (equivalent to stable long-term financial management/government bonds)
2. Neutral: 6% annual return (long-term reasonable expectation for mixed bond and broad index funds)
3. Optimistic: 8% annual return (long-term consistent investment in quality broad index funds, market cooperation, and no reckless trading, already a very good level)
2. Account total after 30 years under different rates of return
Using the "future value of regular investment formula," the results are as follows:
Annual return Account total after 30 years Total principal invested Investment gains
4% About 693k yuan 360k yuan About 333k yuan
6% About 1.01M yuan 360k yuan About 649k yuan
8% About 1.5M yuan 360k yuan About 1.14M yuan
Compare this with the "10% annualized" 2.26 million in the chart—you can see the difference. In reality, achieving an annualized return of 6%-8% is already quite good.
3. Now, include inflation: how much is the money worth after 30 years?
Many people overlook inflation. Assuming a moderate inflation rate of 3% per year:
• 1 million yuan after 30 years has an actual purchasing power of approximately 412k yuan today
• 1.5 million yuan after 30 years has an actual purchasing power of approximately 618k yuan today
• 2.26 million yuan after 30 years has an actual purchasing power of approximately 931k yuan today
In other words, even if you really get an 8% annual return, 1.5 million after 30 years is only equivalent to just over 600k yuan in today's purchasing power, which can only supplement part of your pension and falls far short of "financial freedom."
4. Here's a more realistic conclusion:
1. The safest expectation: at 4% annual return, about 700k yuan after 30 years, with a purchasing power roughly equivalent to 290k yuan today—suitable as a basic supplement for retirement.
2. A more ideal scenario: at 6%-8% annual return, about 1 to 1.5 million yuan after 30 years, with a purchasing power roughly equivalent to 410,000–620k yuan today—significantly improving post-retirement living quality.
3. Achieving 10% annual return and 2.26 million yuan is basically the "ideal ceiling" for ordinary people; it’s very difficult to sustain long-term in reality.
Saving money is possible, and it can grow, but the process isn’t that easy. Rational participation is recommended—just for reference. #DollarCostAveraging