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The Rule of 72 The most important and simple rule to financial success. Simply put . 72 Is a Magical Number. What is the rule of 72? It can tell you:. How many years it will take an investment to double at a given interest rate using compounding interest.
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The Rule of 72The most important and simple rule to financial success.
Simply put 72 Is a Magical Number
What is the rule of 72?It can tell you: • How many years it will take an investment to double at a given interest rate using compounding interest. • How long it will take debt to double if no payments are made. • The interest rate an investment must earn to double within a specific time period. • How many times money (or debt) will double in a specific time period.
1) How long will it take for our investment to double • When 72 is divided by the interest rate, the answer is the number of years it will take the investment to double. EXAMPLE: We know our interest rate is 10% on our investment. TO FIGURE THIS: 72 ÷ 10 = 7.2 YEARS TO DOUBLE
ANOTHER EXAMPLE: • Compound Interest is 8% • How long will it take for the investment to double? 72 divided by 8% = 9 years At the end of nine years, the initial savings of $100 will have increased to $200 — which is double the amount of initial savings
How long it will take debt to double if no payments are made • You borrow $1,000 from a friend, who is charging 6% interest. If you do NOT make ANY payments, how long will it take for your debt to double? 72 ÷ 6 = 12 YEARS FOR DEBT TO DOUBLE
The interest rate an investment must earn to double within a specific time period • If a person would like his/her investment to double in 4 years, you would calculate it like this – 72 ÷ 4 = 18% interest rate is required on the investment ANOTHER EXAMPLE: Would like investment to double in 6 years Need 12% interest rate for investment to double in 6 years
How many times money (or debt) will double in a specific time period • For example, if a person earns 6% on a $50,000 investment it will take 12 years to double (72/6=12).
You must remember a few things about the “Rule of 72” The “Rule of 72” • Is only an approximation • The interest rate must remain constant • The equation does not allow for additional payments to be made to the original amount • Interest earned is reinvested • Tax deductions are not included within the equation
WHAT IS COMPOUNDING INTEREST Compounding interest is Interest earning interest on interest!
Nathan’s Certificate of Deposit • Invested $2,500 • Interest Rate is 6.5% Nathan invested $2,500 into a Certificate of Deposit earning a 6.5% interest rate. How long will it take Nathan’s investment to double?
Another Example The average stock market return since 1926 has been 11% Therefore, every 6.5 years an individual’s investment in the stock market has doubled
Jessica’s Credit Card Debt • $2,200 balance on credit card • 18% interest rate Jessica has a $2,200 balance on her credit card with an 18% interest rate. If Jessica chooses to not make any payments and does not receive late charges, how long will it take for her balance to double?
Another Example: • $6,000 balance on credit card • 22% interest rate How long will it take for debt to double?
Jacob’s Car • $5,000 to invest • Wants investment to double in 4 years Jacob currently has $5,000 to invest in a car after graduation in 4 years. What interest rate is required for him to double his investment?
Another Example • $3,000 to invest • Wants investment to double in 10 years
Rhonda’s Treasury Note Rhonda is 22 years old and would like to invest $2,500 into a U.S. Treasury Note earning 7.5% interest. How many times will Rhonda’s investment double before she withdraws it at age 70?
Another Example • $500 invested at age 18 • 7% interest • How many times will investment double before age 65?