Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn't, pays it.
Compound interest is the interest calculated on the initial principal, which also includes all of the accumulated interest from previous periods on a deposit or loan. It is the process of earning interest on interest. This makes your money grow exponentially over time, compared to simple interest, which is calculated only on the principal amount.
The formula for compound interest is:
A = P (1 + r/n)^(nt)
A = the future value of the investment/loan, including interest
P = the principal investment amount (the initial deposit or loan amount)
r = the annual interest rate (as a decimal)
n = the number of times that interest is compounded per year
t = the number of years the money is invested or borrowed for
Understanding how compound interest works is crucial for long-term financial planning, whether you're saving for retirement, investing in stocks, or taking out a loan. The earlier you start, and the more frequently your interest compounds, the greater the potential for growth.