The time value of money (TVM)
The time value of money (TVM) is a financial concept that suggests that a sum of money is worth more now than the same sum will be in the future due to its potential earning capacity. In other words, a dollar today is worth more than a dollar in the future because you can invest that dollar and earn interest or returns over time.
Compounding and discounting are two fundamental processes related to the time value of money:
Compounding:
- This refers to the process of calculating the future value of an investment or loan based on the initial principal amount and the accumulated interest over a certain period of time.
- In compounding, interest is earned on both the initial principal and any interest that has been added to it over time.
- For example, if you invest $100 at an annual interest rate of 5%, compounded annually, after one year, you’ll have $105 ($100 initial principal + $5 interest). In the next year, you’ll earn interest not only on the initial $100 but also on the $5 interest earned in the first year, resulting in a total of $110.25 at the end of the second year, and so on.
Discounting:
- This is the process of determining the present value of a future sum of money, taking into account a specified rate of return or discount rate.
- Discounting allows you to determine how much a future sum of money is worth in today’s terms.
- For instance, if you’re promised $1,000 one year from now and the discount rate is 5% per annum, the present value of that $1,000 would be $952.38. This means that if you were to invest $952.38 today at a 5% interest rate, you would have $1,000 in one year.
