Compound interest is a favorable method of compensating lenders and depositors wherein interest is periodically credited to the principal, and subsequent interest is paid on the increasing balance.

Compound interest is commonly described as "interest earned on interest." Compound interest can work to your advantage as your investments grow over time, but against you if you're paying off debt, ...

Compound interest can help turbocharge your savings and investments, or it can quickly lead to an unruly balance, keeping you stuck in a cycle of debt. Its magic can help you earn more — or owe more.