Compound interest: the secret to growing your savings

Let's see what compound interest is and how it affects the exponential increase in value of one's investment portfolio over the years

Sunday, 23 April 2023
Compound interest: the secret to growing your savings

Compound interest is a powerful tool that can help investors grow their savings exponentially over time. In this article, we will explore the concept of compound interest, how it works and how it can be used to improve one’s financial position.

What is compound interest?

Compound interest is interest that is applied not only to the original principal, but also to previously accrued interest. In practice, it means that interest earned on one’s savings is added to the original principal and then interest is earned on that total amount. This process continues to increase the total value of your investment and allows for higher returns over time.

For example, suppose we invest EUR 10,000 at an interest rate of 5% per year. After the first year, we will have earned EUR 500 in interest. Instead of withdrawing the full amount, we reinvest the EUR 500 in interest earned. Thus, in the second year, we will earn interest not only on the initial EUR 10,000, but also on the EUR 500 of interest earned in the first year, for a total of EUR 10,500. This process continues to increase the value of your investment year after year.

How can you use compound interest to improve your financial position?

Compound interest is a powerful tool that can be used in many financial situations. For example, if you are saving for your retirement, investing in a savings account or long-term investment plan that uses compound interest can be a smart strategy to get the highest possible return on your investment.

In addition, compound interest can be used to reduce the cost of your debt. For example, if you have a credit card debt with a high interest rate, you might consider making additional payments to speed up the debt repayment process. In this way, you could save on the interest costs charged on the debt, reduce your overall debt and get rid of the debt burden sooner.

Practical example of compound interest

To better understand the concept of compound interest, here is a practical example. Suppose you invest EUR 5,000 at an annual interest rate of 7%, with interest compounded once a year. After one year, your investment would be EUR 5,350, after two years it would be EUR 5,725.50, and after ten years it would be EUR 10,835.89. As you can see, the initial investment of 5,000 euro has grown more than twice as much in ten years thanks to compound interest.

Compound interest is a powerful tool that can be used to grow your savings exponentially. Using compound interest in a savings account or long-term investment plan can help you achieve a higher return over time. In addition, compound interest can be used to reduce the cost of your debt and free you from the burden of debt sooner. Remember, the key to maximising the potential of compound interest is to start investing as early as possible and maintain the investment over a long period of time.

Try using compound interest to grow your savings and watch your money work for you over time. With the right planning and investment of money, you can reach your financial goals and live the life you want.

Disclaimer
This article is not financial advice but an example based on studies, research and analysis conducted by our team.

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