Hi,

I'm working on a retirement planning assignment and one of the sections in excel is:

Rate of Return during Contribution Period

Is this a number I calculate? Or is it an estimate I decide on?

For reference - here is what I've completed so far in excel.

columns are Contribution Years, monthly contribution including match, & future value

Contribution Years Monthly Contrib. (Incl. Match). Future Value

Years 1-5 (45 years until retirement)$500 $1,013,219

Years 6-10 (40 years until retirement)$700 $305,204

Years 11-15 (35 years until retirement)$800 $113,609

Years 16-20 (30 years until retirement)$800 $-

Years 21-25 (25 years until retirement)$800 $-

Years 26-30 (20 years until retirement)$600 $(82,207)

Years 31-35 (15 years until retirement)$600$-

Years 36-40 (10 years until retirement)$600$-

Years 41-45 (5 years until retirement)$500 $(6,801)

Total Future Value of Ongoing Contributions $1,343,025

Current Retirement Savings Balance$20,000 $188,870

Number of Years From Now Until Retirement 45

Total Saved Upon Retirement $1,531,894

Rate of Return During Contribution Period (?)

This is the part I am stuck on.

Thank you!