How does the compound interest calculation work?
Albert Einstein called compound interest the "eighth wonder of the world," which is strange of course, he after all studied more global processes in our opinion, but anyway. Its essence is extremely simple, but incredibly effective: You earn interest not only on your invested money, but also on the interest that was accrued earlier. The capital begins to grow.
Many ask: "How much will accumulate if you save $500 at 15 percent?, this is almost standard for our life". The human brain is used to thinking linearly. It seems to us that in 10 years we will accumulate $60,000 (on our own) plus a small addition. But the calculator can show a completely different picture — thanks to monthly compounding, the final amount can exceed $100,000, where more than half is earnings from interest! In general, you can try to calculate it.
- Averaging effect: By regularly buying assets (or replenishing a deposit), you smooth out the risks of market drawdowns, this is of course a slightly different story....
- Financial discipline: The habit of saving a fixed amount every month works better than rare large investments. A person begins to think more rationally and what is most important over time he becomes quite capable of giving up such a "harmful" habit as extravagance and interestingly enough he begins to appreciate literally every cent.
- Exponential growth: Over long periods of time (from 5-10 years), the earned interest begins to exceed the amount of your personal contributions, but here we must not fail to mention that deposits should be 95 percent backed by the authority and reliability of those who provide such opportunities, risks may not be justified, in the end financial opportunities and abilities are different for everyone.
- Inflation: The real purchasing power of the accumulated money in 5-10 years will be lower or may become so. Be sure to consider the real rate (rate minus inflation).
- Changing rates: Banks rarely fix a high rate (for example, 15%) for a long term, although in various conditions it is generally impossible to analyze this very accurately for one reason or another.
- Taxes: Income from deposits and investments is subject to income tax, which will slightly reduce the final result.