A good question to show the power of compounding...of course be sure to tell them that no investment would actually double on a daily basis for 30 days ;) Calculators are not allowed! 

Answer: Starting with a penny and doubling it every day compounds to $10.7 million after 30 days

Day 1: You would have $0.02

Day 2: You would have $0.04

Day 3: You would have $0.08

Day 4: You would have $0.16...

Day 30: You would have $10,737,418.24.

Questions:

• How much would the penny have grown to on Day 29? How much did the value increase between Day 29 and Day 30? 
• Now apply this concept to your own savings...
  • Is it better to start saving early (e.g., starting at age 20 and saving for 30 years) or waiting until your life is more stable (start saving at age 30 and saving for 20 years). Use the example of the penny doubling to explain your answer. 

Here are the ready-to-go slides for this Question of the Day that you can use in your classroom.

Behind the numbers:

Here's the spreadsheet with the calculations. 

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About the Author

Ryan Wood

Ryan is the Partnerships and Adoption Manager for Next Gen Personal Finance’s midwest region. He brings his experience as a former teacher, curriculum designer, and sales and marketing professional to state organizations and school districts in supporting the implementation of their personal financial education efforts. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and earned his teaching credential from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. He proudly taught at two rural high schools in Wisconsin before transitioning to curriculum design at NGPF, and is now excited to be on the front lines in delivering the best possible financial education in the midwest. He and his wife have three beautiful daughters, each of which inspire him to share the impact of being sound financial stewards both at home and as lifelong learners.