What these two processes share is baked into the math of each. In fact, in that respect, they're nearly identical. They both involve some stuff (atoms or money) that is either growing or shrinking.

See how your savings and investment account balances can grow with the magic of compound interest. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate ...

Compound interest can help turbocharge your savings and investments, or it can quickly lead to an unruly balance, keeping you stuck in a cycle of debt. Its magic can help you earn more — or owe more.

Compound interest is a favorable method of compensating lenders and depositors wherein interest is periodically credited to the principal, and subsequent interest is paid on the increasing balance.

Editor's Note: APYs listed in this article are up-to-date as of the time of publication. They may fluctuate (up or down) as the Fed rate changes. Select will update as changes are made public. Some ...