Compound Interest Formula:
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Compound interest is interest calculated on the initial principal and also on the accumulated interest of previous periods. It's what makes high-yield savings accounts grow faster over time compared to simple interest accounts.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The more frequently interest is compounded, the greater the return, which is why high-yield savings accounts often compound interest daily or monthly.
Details: Understanding compound interest is crucial for financial planning. Even small differences in interest rates or compounding frequency can lead to significant differences in returns over time.
Tips: Enter the principal amount in dollars, annual interest rate as a percentage (e.g., 3.5 for 3.5%), number of compounding periods per year (12 for monthly), and time in years.
Q1: What's the difference between APR and APY?
A: APR (Annual Percentage Rate) doesn't account for compounding, while APY (Annual Percentage Yield) does. APY gives a more accurate picture of earnings.
Q2: How often do high-yield savings accounts compound?
A: Most compound daily, but some may compound monthly. Check with your financial institution for details.
Q3: Are there limits on withdrawals?
A: Federal Regulation D limits certain types of withdrawals from savings accounts to 6 per month, though this was suspended during COVID-19.
Q4: Are high-yield savings accounts FDIC insured?
A: Yes, as long as the bank is FDIC-insured, your deposits are protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per account type.
Q5: How do I find the best high-yield savings account?
A: Compare rates from online banks and credit unions, which often offer higher rates than traditional brick-and-mortar banks.