Take our investing long-term quiz

Although it's never too late to start saving, sooner is better than later

Holly Cook 4 September, 2009 | 4:48PM
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As part of Financial Planning Week, we'll be presenting a quiz each day to help you better define your goals and build a sound financial plan. One lucky winner selected at random from the Editor's hat will win a hamper of tasty goodies--see below to find out how to enter.

Our quiz for Day 4 of Financial Planning Week covers compound interest, which can help you make the most of your money.

1. Which of these 35-year-olds is likely to end up with the better financial situation at retirement at age 65?
a) Leyla, who has saved £100 every month in a retirement pot since her 18th birthday

b) Flora, who intends to start saving for her pension when she reaches 40, by which time she thinks she’ll have £500 per month available

c) Aysem, who expects to inherit £100,000 sometime between age 45 and 50 and will use that to fund her pension

d) Olivia, who will rely on the State to top up her income to the level she needs

2. Which of the following is a correct description one of the major benefits of compound interest?
a) It means that on anything I save, I’ll double my money about every 10 years

b) It means I don’t lose anything if interest rates fall

c) It means that I can help my chances of meeting my savings goals by saving small amounts over long periods rather than larger amounts over short periods

d) It means I don’t need to worry about investing in the stock market as I’ll do better relying on compound interest

3. Which of these is true about your mortgage?
a) The effect of compound interest means that my mortgage costs me less over time especially if I keep my payments up to date

b) The effect of compound interest means that I pay more over time especially if I don’t keep my payments up to date

c) Compound interest doesn’t apply to loans

d) Compound interest is only charged when I miss a payment

4. What is likely to be the most expensive way of buying a new fitted kitchen?
a) Saving regularly towards the cost and then paying cash up front

b) Paying by credit card at an interest rate of 19% and repaying the balance gradually over the next three years

c) Taking out a five-year personal loan at a rate of 10%

d) Adding the cost to your mortgage and repaying it with the normal mortgage payment over 25 years at a rate of 5%

5. And which would cost the least overall?
a) Saving regularly towards the cost and then paying cash up front

b) Paying by credit card at an interest rate of 19% and repaying the balance gradually over the next three years

c) Taking out a five-year personal loan at a rate of 10%

d) Adding the cost to your mortgage and repaying it with the normal mortgage payment over 25 years at a rate of 5%

Submit your answers by clicking here, entering your name and e-mail address, and listing all five answers in the message box. Good luck!

Having financial goals and understanding the choices available to you are central to making successful investment decisions. As such, all this week, Morningstar is partnering the Institute of Financial Planning in promoting Financial Planning Week. You can find out more about our efforts here.

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

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About Author

Holly Cook

Holly Cook  is Manager, Morningstar EMEA Websites

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