Investing involves risk, including the loss of principal. The answers below explain what The Forever Fund can and cannot promise, and why no gift is guaranteed to grow.
No. Investments can rise or fall, and no return is guaranteed.
No. A gift's future value depends on what the recipient does with the money, the investments chosen, fees, taxes, time horizon, and market conditions. Growth calculators are illustrations, not predictions. Public content should never use words such as guaranteed, risk-free, or certain when describing investments.
Yes. Once invested, the value may decline, sometimes substantially.
Market prices change, and even diversified investments can lose value. The recipient may also leave the contribution in cash, which has different risks and potential returns. Guests are giving a dollar amount, not guaranteeing a future result, and recipients should choose investments appropriate for their circumstances.
Growth projections are educational illustrations based on assumptions, not promised results.
A projection changes when the starting amount, assumed return, fees, taxes, contributions, withdrawals, or time period changes. It should show the assumed annual rate and whether compounding is annual or monthly. Pair every projection with an equally visible warning that actual results may be lower, higher, or negative.
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