The rule of 72 is a rule that can answer you the question: How many years will my money need to double for a given interest rate?

It closes the gap between an interest rate and what it means in real life.

Here is the rule of 72:

$t approx frac{72}{p} ~text{years}$

So how long would your money need to double with an interest rate of 7%? (Average historical inflation-adjusted stock market return)

$frac{72}{7} approx 10 text{ years}$

## Double your money within 10 years?

Or quadruple it within 20 years. That's what's in for you. That's why, even 10 or 15% of your disposable income saved can make a huge difference over time.

That is the only reason early retirement is possible.You just have to save a lot of money and let it sit.

You just have to save a lot of money and let it sit. Or save only a few bucks and let them sit even little longer.

## Or pay double within 5?

Compounding can also work against you.

Say you have a credit card and it charges a 15% interest rate. How fast will the amount you owe be doubled?

$frac{72}{15} approx 5 text{ years}$

This is insanity as you see. Even if you are required to pay off some of the principal every month.

## How do you apply the rule?

Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it ... he who doesn't ... pays it.

Albert Einstein

So every time you hear an interest rate I want you to apply the rule. It will translate it into something a little more meaningful for you.