How the money tree works
Money Tree turns compound interest into something you can watch. Choose how much to plant today, how much to add every month and a yearly growth rate. Press play, or drag the timeline, and the tree grows taller while coins show how much of the total is growth you did not have to deposit.
The price-of-waiting panel keeps your monthly amount and growth rate the same and only delays your start date, so you can see what each year of delay costs. You can play it in rupees or dollars.
A handy shortcut for the doubling time of money is the Rule of 72. At 12% a year, money doubles in roughly six years.
Years to double ≈ 72 ÷ yearly return (%)
Frequently asked questions
What is compound interest?
Compound interest is growth on top of growth. Each period's return is added to your balance, and the next return is earned on the bigger amount. Over long periods this snowballs.
What is the Rule of 72?
Divide 72 by the yearly return to estimate the years needed to double your money. At 9% it takes about 8 years, and at 12% about 6 years.
Why does starting early matter so much?
Early money has more years to compound. Delaying by even five years can cut the final amount by a large share, even if you invest the same amount every month. Use the start-later slider in Money Tree to test it.
Is Money Tree a financial forecast?
No. It is a learning tool. Real returns vary every year and are never guaranteed.