On the surface, an interest rate is just a number. How that number applies to debt or equity opens up a world of possibilities. The first consideration is always whether it’s simple interest vs.

Compound interest grows by reinvesting earnings, creating larger interest over time. Increasing compounding frequency (e.g., monthly) can significantly accelerate investment growth. Compound earnings ...

Discover how simple interest benefits borrowers in car loans and consumer purchases, and learn why it might not be ideal for ...

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, ...

With close to a decade of writing and editing experience, Maisha specializes in service journalism and has produced work in the lifestyle, financial services, real estate, and culture spaces. She uses ...

Simple interest calculates earnings or payments based solely on the initial principal, while compound interest grows by calculating interest on both the principal and the accumulated interest over ...

Compound interest is the interest earned on money that has already earned interest. Compound interest helps your money grow faster, with no additional investment on your part. Many or all of the ...

Interest is the amount of money you must pay to borrow money in addition to the loan's principal. It's also the amount you are paid over time when you deposit money in a savings account or certificate ...

There are two different ways of calculating interest -- simple and compound. Here's how to calculate each, as well as the key differences and similarities between the two. Simple interest is well, ...

Liliana Hall was a writer for CNET Money covering banking, credit cards and mortgages. Previously, she wrote about personal credit for Bankrate and CreditCards.com. David McMillin writes about credit ...