The Power of Interest and Its Types

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Interest is typically defined as the fee that is paid for the use of money or funds over time. One thing to keep in mind about the power of interest is the types of interest and the amount of time that the savings in an account will double in value. Individuals who put money into a savings account at a local bank or credit union will have interest applied to their funds.

Types of Interest

Interest on the money in a bank savings account will be one of two types. Individuals will typically see simple interest or compound interest. The amount of interest seen by a saver is based on the percentage rate in affect for a specific schedule. Interest rates can change from time to time and is computed based on a percentage of the deposit that is made by a saver. The saver will receive interest their payments on a specific schedule.

Savers who are receiving simple interest have the interest payment computed as an assigned percentage of the original amount which was deposited. If a saver opens a savings account with simple interest that is computed at five percent, then five dollars in interest is earned eve year. A saver who decides to leave 100 dollars in their account for at least ten years will have 50 dollars in interest.

Individuals who open a savings account with compound interest will have their money grow. There is a benefit for a saver as each new interest payment is added to the total for future interest payments. Many savers will see a larger account balance over time when compound interest is used. The money which is in an account will continue to grow each period when interest payments are made. If a saver opens up a savings account and deposits 100 dollars at five percent interest, then five dollars is earned at the end of the first year. The five dollars is added to the account total and the interest payment that is paid the next year is five dollars and twenty-five cents.

Rule of 72

This is a calculation used to determine when money in an account will double. The rate of return for an account is used to estimate the amount of time the money in a savings account doubles. Money that has been deposited in a savings account at four percent interest will double in about 18 years.

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