Compound Interest Formula:
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Compound interest is the interest calculated on the initial principal and also on the accumulated interest of previous periods. It allows savings to grow faster than simple interest, where interest is calculated only on the principal amount.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much an investment will grow over time when interest is compounded at regular intervals.
Details: Compound interest is a powerful concept in personal finance that allows investments to grow exponentially over time. Understanding compound interest helps in making informed decisions about savings and investments.
Tips: Enter the principal amount in CAD, annual interest rate as a decimal (e.g., 0.05 for 5%), number of compounding periods per year, and time in years. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between simple and compound interest?
A: Simple interest is calculated only on the principal amount, while compound interest is calculated on both the principal and accumulated interest.
Q2: How often do Canadian banks compound interest?
A: Most Canadian savings accounts compound interest monthly, but it varies by institution and account type.
Q3: Are there taxes on interest earned in Canada?
A: Yes, interest income is taxable in Canada and must be reported on your annual tax return.
Q4: What's a typical interest rate for Canadian savings accounts?
A: Rates vary but typically range from 0.5% to 2.5% for regular savings accounts, with higher rates for premium accounts.
Q5: How can I maximize my compound interest earnings?
A: To maximize earnings, look for accounts with higher interest rates, more frequent compounding, and consider making regular contributions.