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 over time as interest is earned on both the original amount and the interest that has been added to it.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much an investment will grow over time with compound interest, taking into account how frequently the interest is compounded.
Details: Understanding compound interest is crucial for financial planning, retirement savings, and making informed investment decisions. It demonstrates how money can grow exponentially over time.
Tips: Enter the principal amount in AUD, annual interest rate as a percentage, 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 Australian savings accounts compound interest?
A: Most Australian savings accounts compound interest daily and pay it monthly, but this can vary by financial institution.
Q3: Does compounding frequency affect the final amount?
A: Yes, the more frequently interest is compounded, the higher the final amount will be, assuming the same annual interest rate.
Q4: Are there taxes on interest earned?
A: Yes, interest earned on savings accounts is generally considered taxable income in Australia and must be declared to the ATO.
Q5: What's a good interest rate for Australian savings accounts?
A: Interest rates vary, but competitive savings accounts typically offer rates that are close to or above the official cash rate set by the Reserve Bank of Australia.