If you’re saving for college, retirement, or a large purchase, it can be useful to quickly calculate how an anticipated annual rate of return will affect your money over time. To find out, you can use a mathematical concept known as the Rule of 72. This rule can give you a close approximation of how long it would take for your money to double at any given rate of return, assuming annual compounding.
To use this rule, you simply divide 72 by your anticipated annual rate of return. The result is the approximate number of years it will take for your money to double.
For example, if your anticipated annual rate of return is 6%, you would divide 72 by 6. Your money can be expected to double in about 12 years. But if your anticipated annual rate of return is 8%, then your money can be expected to double in about 9 years.
The Rule of 72 can also be used to determine what rate of return you would need to double your money in a certain number of years. For example, if you have 12 years to double your money, then dividing 72 by 12 would tell you that you would need a rate of return of 6%.
Another way to use the Rule of 72 is to determine when something will be halved instead of doubled. For example, if you would like to estimate how long it would take for annual inflation to eat into your savings, you could divide 72 by the rate of inflation. For example, if inflation is 3%, then it would take 24 years for your money to be worth half its current value. If inflation jumped to 4%, then it would take only 18 years for your purchasing power to be halved.
Although using a calculator will give you more precise results, the Rule of 72 is a useful shortcut that can help you understand how long it might take to reach a financial goal, and what annual rate of return you might need to get there. If you have questions about your investments, contact the Experts at Henssler Financial:
- Experts Request Form
- Email: experts@henssler.com
- Phone: 770-429-9166
Disclosures: The following information is reprinted with permission from Forefield, a division of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. The investments referenced within this article may currently be traded by Henssler Financial. All material presented is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and current, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The contents are intended for general information purposes only. Information provided should not be the sole basis in making any decisions and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional, such as a tax consultant, insurance adviser or attorney. Although this material is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with respect to the subject matter, it may not apply in all situations. Readers are urged to consult with their adviser concerning specific situations and questions. This is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell any financial instruments. It is not our intention to state, indicate or imply in any manner that current or past results are indicative of future profitability or expectations. As with all investments, there are associated inherent risks. Please obtain and review all financial material carefully before investing. Henssler is not licensed to offer or sell insurance products, and this overview is not to be construed as an offer to purchase any insurance products.
