How does compounding affect savings over time?

Compounding plays a pivotal role in increasing savings over time by allowing the interest earned on an initial principal amount to generate additional interest. This process means that not only does the principal earn interest, but the accumulated interest from previous periods also earns interest in subsequent periods. As a result, the growth of the savings accelerates over time, leading to a significantly larger total amount than would be achieved through simple interest, where interest is calculated only on the principal.

This exponential growth effect is a key principle of personal finance and is particularly beneficial for long-term savings, such as retirement accounts. By consistently reinvesting the interest earned, individuals can harness the power of compounding, making it one of the most effective strategies for building wealth over time.