The concept of Time Value of Money

Show Me the MoneyThe concept of Time Value of Money (TVM) is that a dollar in ones hand is more valuable than receiving that same dollar in the future because of the potential earnings of the money in ones possession when invested properly (University of Phoenix, 2007). TVM has factors that can assist in determining whether money should be held on, invested or spend. This paper will define the factors that include opportunity cost, interest rate, compounding, present value and future value, and their impact on TVM. This paper will also address how annuities and Rule 72 affect TVM problems and investment outcomes.

Impact on Opportunity CostOpportunity cost is the cost of given something up or forfeited to get something else (Opportunity Cost, n.d.). A company's sales and gross margins are important to its success but its cash flow investments are also important. TVM is evident in opportunity cost when a company evaluates future investments of its cash flow with a desired result of increasing the value of its current funds at the time the maturity or liquidation of the investment.

Interest Rates

Interesting 2009 - To Thine Own Self Be True

Future Past Present

These cash flow investments must be carefully analyzed if an investment is worth the risk because a poor decision may tie up an organization's money or worse its cash flow may be put at risk.

Impact of Interest Rates and CompoundingInterest rate is the either cost or return stated as a percent of the borrowed or invested money per specified period, typically one year (Interest, n.d.). "Compound interest is calculated each period on the original principal and all interest accumulated during past periods. Although the interest may be stated as a yearly rate, the compounding periods can be yearly, semiannually, quarterly, or even continuously." (Interest, n.d, found in the Compound Interest section, para 1). In simple terms, compound interest...