When you borrow money, you’ll also pay interest on top of the amount you borrowed.. Interest is the money the lender gets for loaning you the money. Read Next: 5 Subtly Genius Moves All Wealthy People ...

Simple interest is paid only on the principal, e.g., a $10,000 investment at 5% yields $500 annually. Compound interest accumulates on both principal and past interest, increasing total returns over ...