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1. Answer a) All things being equal and assuming that everyone earns around the same return on their money, saving relatively small sums over long periods is for most of us the best way to achieve your goals.
2. Answer c) Compound interest means that amounts saved early in life earn the most money over time.
3. Answer b) With a loan or mortgage, compound interest works in reverse, since you’re paying the interest rather than receiving it. Mortgage lenders charge interest based on the balance on the account so when payments are missed, the balance on the account will be higher, so the interest charged will be higher.
4. Answer d) Again, remember that compound interest works in reverse on loans. Therefore, in the same way that for the saver compound interest works to greater advantage over a longer period, the reverse is true with a loan, so, even given a much lower interest rate, the overall cost would be greatest where the cost is added to the mortgage.
5. Answer a) Of course! You benefit from compound interest on the savings you’re building up and pay no interest on the item you’ve purchased.
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