Hey Bestie,
The first mistake many of us make is saving our money while leaving it in our checking accounts. Checking accounts do not make our money work; they can actually cause the money we have to lose its value. With inflation, the dollar is just stagnating in most checking accounts. Your checking account should only have enough money for bills for the month. The rest of your money should be put to work in accounts that earn interest. Let's break down the concepts of investing, saving, and the superpower known as compound interest .
What is Compound Interest?
Imagine compound interest as your money’s personal growth trainer. It helps your savings get stronger over time.
Here's how it works: you earn interest not just on your initial investment or savings but also on any interest you've already earned. It’s like your money is earning its own money, and then that money earns more money!
Ex: If you invest $1,000 with an annual compound interest rate of 5%, after the first year, you'll have $1,050. In the second year, you earn interest on $1,050, not just the original $1,000. By the end of the second year, you'll have about $1,102.50, and it keeps growing from there!
Compound Interest vs. Simple Interest
Let's make it simpler. Imagine you saved $1,000 at a 5% annual interest rate. With simple interest, you earn 5% of your initial $1,000 every year, which is $50. Easy, right? But with compound interest, each year’s interest is added to your original $1,000, so you earn interest on a growing amount. Over time, this can lead to much more money than simple interest. Check out this Compound Interest Calculator to see for yourself!
Ex: Continuing from the previous example, after 10 years, your $1,000 with compound interest at 5% annually would grow to about $1,629, while with simple interest at the same rate, it would be only $1,500.
Investing: Your Money in Action
When you invest, you're buying things like stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Think of it as buying a tiny piece of a company or lending your money in exchange for more money later. The cool part? Investing usually offers higher returns than a savings account, especially when you factor in compound interest. It’s like planting a seed and watching it grow into a tree. Want to start small? Apps like Acorns or Robinhood make it easy.
Saving: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Saving usually means putting money into a savings account or a certificate of deposit (CD) at a bank. It’s safer than investing because your money isn’t subject to the ups and downs of the stock market. Plus, many savings accounts also earn compound interest, just at a slower rate.For a start, check out Ally Bank or Marcus by Goldman Sachs for savings accounts with competitive interest rates.
However, CDs can have a slight downside; if interest rates increase, you're locked in at the lower rate you initially agreed on. This can be both good and bad, depending on the market.
Long-Term Wealth Building
Here's the deal: the sooner you start, the better. Thanks to compound interest, even small amounts saved or invested can grow significantly over time. It’s like that saying,
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.”
Conclusion
Investing and saving are both important, and understanding compound interest can help you make smarter financial decisions. Whether you're investing in stocks or stashing cash in a savings account, compound interest can be a game-changer for your financial future. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your wealth grow.
You got this, queen! Keep building that empire, one dollar at a time.
xoxo,
Stay tuned for more easy-to-understand financial tips!
Comments