A person saves $200 in the first month and increases savings by $50 each month. How much is saved in total after 12 months?

Sat, 09 May 2026 12:45:10 +0000

**How a Small, Steady Savings Start Can Build $1,200 in 12 Months** In today’s evolving financial landscape, many Americans are discovering that small, consistent actions yield powerful long-term results. One growing pattern: starting with a $200 investment or contribution in the first month and increasing it by $50 each subsequent month. This automatic, disciplined approach creates growing momentum—turning modest starts into meaningful savings growth. The question is: how much does this pattern actually generate after a full year? Breaking down the math reveals a predictable, clear trend. Starting at $200 and adding $50 monthly for 12 months follows a simple arithmetic progression. The monthly amounts form this sequence: 200, 250, 300, 350, 400… forming the first 12 terms. Using the formula for the sum of an arithmetic series—(n/2) × (first term + last term)—the total savings after 12 months is precisely $1,380. This result embodies a quiet but impactful financial discipline. While modest at first, the escalating pattern shows how small, repeated increases compound steadily over time. It’s a strategy accessible to anyone, requiring no sudden lifestyle changes—just consistent effort and the willingness to grow along the way.