Finance Library
InvestingBeginner 4 min read

Compound Interest

The 8th wonder of the world — how money earns money on money.

$1,000 invested at 8% — compounding pulls away from simple interest every year.

What it is

Compound interest is the interest you earn on both the original amount you invested and on the interest you've already earned. Each period, the base grows, so the next interest payment is a little larger.

Why it matters

Over long periods, compounding turns small, steady contributions into surprisingly large balances. Time in the market is the single biggest lever you have.

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