Rule of 72
Zigfred Diaz
An Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) started to work abroad. Having worked for several yeaers there at the age of 29 had a total savings of P 100,000.00 (Philippine peso)
In order to preserve his P 100,000.00, he decided to place it in the bank, since this is the only vehicle of investment that he knew about. The bank managerwas delighted that the OFW opened an account with them. He even recommended that the money be placed in a time deposit account enabling the OFW to earn more than the ordinary savings account.
So the money remained in the time deposit account until the OFW reached the age of 65. At that time, he then went back to the bank to withdraw the P 100,000.00. He was amazed when he learned that the P100,000.00 had already grown to P 400,000.00. He was quite happy with the growth of his money. He then withdrew the money from the bank, enjoyed life and lived happily ever after.
Is this a "live happily ever after" story or not? Do you consider this OFW as somebody who has "wisely" handled his money? Is he really earning the maximum potential for his money or is he making somebody else rich.
Under the rule of 72, in order to determine how many years it takes for your money to double you only need to follow this very simple equation: 72 / interest = No. of years it takes for your money to double
In the case of this Filipino OFW, every 18 years his money will double. 72 divided 4 % per annum = 18 years. So if he deposited his P 100,000.00 at age 29, his money will become P 200,000.00 at age 47. Add another 18 years then he reaches the age of 65. This time his money becomes P 400,000.00.
So what does the bank do with that P 100,000.00 ? Well, they take the OFW's money and invests it at mutual funds, the stock market, the money market, government bonds, corporate bonds and even consumer loans etc. averaging a 12 % return per annum. Using the Rule of 72, the OFW's P 100,000.00 will double every 6 years. (This is computed as follows: 72 divided by 12 % interest = 6 years)
After 36 years of waiting, the OFW claimed his P 100,000.00. You wouldn't be surprised why the bank manager willingly and gladly gave him back the P 100,000.00 plus the interest of P 300,000 amounting to a total of P 400,000.00. No sweat, they already made more or less a total of P 6,400,000.00 from the OFW's P 100,000.00 deposit. Now you tell me if that isn't hi-way robbery !
You want to be wealthy and a better steward of your money? Think like the bank!!! Use the Rule of 72 wisely ! Make it work for you !
Do you desire to know more about the
http://www.zdiaz.com/ Rule of 72 ? Visit the blog of Zigfred Diaz where he writes about investments, financial management,
http://www.zdiaz.com/ How to invest in the Philippine stock market and various topics such as law, business, theology and making financial online.
