What Is the 7-Year Investment Rule? (2024)

What Is the 7-Year Investment Rule? (1)

Thapana Onphalai / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

Investing can often seem like navigating a sea of numbers and predictions, but some principles stand out for their simplicity and effectiveness. The 7-Year Investment Rule is one such principle, offering a straightforward approach to understanding the potential growth of your investments over time. Keep reading to learn how it applies to various investment options like certificates of deposit accounts, and why it could be a crucial component of your financial planning toolkit.

What Is the 7-Year Investment Rule?

The 7-Year Investment Rule is a financial guideline suggesting that investments can potentially grow significantly in a 7-year period. This rule is based on historical market performance and the principle of compound interest.

It serves as a reminder to investors that patience and time are key elements in growing their investments.

How To Use the 7-Year Investment Rule

To apply the 7-Year Investment Rule, investors should look at their investment portfolio and consider the potential growth over a seven-year period.

This doesn’t mean all investments will automatically yield substantial returns in seven years, but it provides a timeframe to set realistic expectations for growth. This rule is particularly useful when assessing long-term investment strategies, such as retirement planning or educational savings.

The 7-Year Rule and CD Accounts

Certificates of deposit are a popular investment choice for those looking for stable, predictable returns. When applying the 7-Year Rule to CDs, investors can gauge the potential growth of their funds.

While CDs are known for their safety and fixed interest rates, comparing the best CD rates is crucial to maximize returns. This rule helps in identifying CDs that align with your investment goals, especially for those looking to invest with a medium-term horizon.

Benefits and Limitations of the 7-Year Rule

The primary benefit of the 7-Year Investment Rule is its simplicity. It helps investors set clear, long-term goals without getting overwhelmed by the complexities of financial planning.

However, it’s important to note that this rule is a guideline, not a guarantee. Market fluctuations, economic conditions and individual investment choices can all impact the actual growth of investments.

Final Take

The 7-year Investment Rule offers a valuable perspective for investors seeking to understand the potential of their investments over a significant period. While not a definitive predictor, it serves as a useful tool in financial planning, particularly when evaluating options like CDs. Remember, the best investment strategy is one that aligns with your financial goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

FAQ

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding investments.

  • What is the 7-Year Rule for investing?
    • The 7-Year Rule for investing is a guideline suggesting that an investment can potentially grow significantly over a period of 7 years. This rule is based on the historical performance of investments and the principle of compound interest. It's used as a general benchmark for setting expectations about the growth of investments over a medium-term period.
  • Does retirement double every seven years?
    • Retirement funds do not necessarily double every seven years. The doubling time for any investment, including retirement funds, depends on the rate of return.
    • The Rule of 72 is a more specific guideline for estimating doubling time. For example, at a 10% annual return rate, it would take approximately 7.2 years to double. But this is a rough estimate and actual results can vary based on investment choices, market conditions and contribution consistency.
  • How many years does it take to double your money at 7%?
    • To estimate the number of years it would take to double your money at a 7% annual rate of return, you can use the Rule of 72.
    • Divide 72 by the annual rate of return: 72 ÷ 7 = 10.29. So, at a 7% return rate, it would take approximately 10.29 years to double your money.
  • What happens if you invest $100 a month for 25 years?
    • If you invest $100 a month for 25 years, the total amount you invest will be $30,000. The final value of your investment will depend on the rate of return. Assuming an average annual return of 7%, compounded monthly, you would end up with a total of approximately $81,870. However, this is an estimate and actual results can vary based on market performance and the specific investment vehicle.

Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.

What Is the 7-Year Investment Rule? (2024)

FAQs

What Is the 7-Year Investment Rule? ›

Divide 72 by your average expected annual return

What is the rule of 7 years investing? ›

According to Standard and Poor's, the average annualized return of the S&P index, which later became the S&P 500, from 1926 to 2020 was 10%. 1 At 10%, you could double your initial investment every seven years (72 divided by 10).

What is the 7 year rule for compound interest? ›

For example, the Rule of 72 states that $1 invested at an annual fixed interest rate of 10% would take 7.2 years ((72 ÷ 10) = 7.2) to grow to $2. In reality, a 10% investment will take 7.3 years to double (1.107.3 = 2). The Rule of 72 is reasonably accurate for low rates of return.

What is the 7/10 rule of investing? ›

The 7/10 rule in investing is a straightforward method to calculate the fair value of a company's stock. The rule states that a company's stock price should either be seven times its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) or 10 times its operating earnings per share.

What is the 7 years rule finance? ›

Let's say your initial investment is $100,000—meaning that's how much money you are able to invest right now—and your goal is to grow your portfolio to $1 million. Assuming long-term market returns stay more or less the same, the Rule of 72 tells us that you should be able to double your money every 7.2 years.

What is the rule of 7? ›

The Rule of 7 asserts that a potential customer should encounter a brand's marketing messages at least seven times before making a purchase decision.

Do 401k double every 7 years? ›

One of those tools is known as the Rule 72. For example, let's say you have saved $50,000 and your 401(k) holdings historically has a rate of return of 8%. 72 divided by 8 equals 9 years until your investment is estimated to double to $100,000.

What is the 7% rule for retirement? ›

The 7 Percent Rule is a foundational guideline for retirees, suggesting that they should only withdraw upto 7% of their initial retirement savings every year to cover living expenses. This strategy is often associated with the “4% Rule,” which suggests a 4% withdrawal rate.

What is the rule of 7 and 8? ›

To make money in stocks, you must protect the money you already have. That brings us to the cardinal rule of selling. Always sell a stock it if falls 7%-8% below what you paid for it.

What is the 7 year rule? ›

The 7 year rule

No tax is due on any gifts you give if you live for 7 years after giving them - unless the gift is part of a trust. This is known as the 7 year rule.

How much will 100k be worth in 30 years? ›

Answer and Explanation: The amount of $100,000 will grow to $432,194.24 after 30 years at a 5% annual return. The amount of $100,000 will grow to $1,006,265.69 after 30 years at an 8% annual return.

How to double $2000 dollars in 24 hours? ›

How To Double Money In 24 Hours – 10+ Top Ideas
  1. Flip Stuff For Profit.
  2. Start A Retail Arbitrage Business.
  3. Invest In Real Estate.
  4. Play Games For Money.
  5. Invest In Dividend Stocks & ETFs.
  6. Use Crypto Interest Accounts.
  7. Start A Side Hustle.
  8. Invest In Your 401(k)
May 24, 2024

What is the 7 year rule in investing? ›

The 7-Year Rule for investing is a guideline suggesting that an investment can potentially grow significantly over a period of 7 years. This rule is based on the historical performance of investments and the principle of compound interest.

What is Warren Buffett's golden rule? ›

"Rule No. 1: Never lose money. Rule No. 2: Never forget Rule No. 1."- Warren Buffet.

What is the golden rule of money? ›

Golden Rule #1: Don't spend more than you earn

If you always spend less than you earn, your finances will always be in good shape.

Will my money double in 7 years? ›

All you do is divide 72 by the fixed rate of return to get the number of years it will take for your initial investment to double. You would need to earn 10% per year to double your money in a little over seven years.

Does a 401k double every 7 years? ›

One of those tools is known as the Rule 72. For example, let's say you have saved $50,000 and your 401(k) holdings historically has a rate of return of 8%. 72 divided by 8 equals 9 years until your investment is estimated to double to $100,000.

Is 7 return on investment realistic? ›

General ROI: A positive ROI is generally considered good, with a normal ROI of 5-7% often seen as a reasonable expectation. However, a strong general ROI is something greater than 10%. Return on Stocks: On average, a ROI of 7% after inflation is often considered good, based on the historical returns of the market.

What is the 10 year rule in stocks? ›

The Henssler philosophy is that any money a client needs within 10 years should be invested in fixed income securities, and any money not needed within 10 years should be invested in high‐quality, individual common stocks or mutual funds that invest in common stocks.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Mr. See Jast

Last Updated:

Views: 6054

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mr. See Jast

Birthday: 1999-07-30

Address: 8409 Megan Mountain, New Mathew, MT 44997-8193

Phone: +5023589614038

Job: Chief Executive

Hobby: Leather crafting, Flag Football, Candle making, Flying, Poi, Gunsmithing, Swimming

Introduction: My name is Mr. See Jast, I am a open, jolly, gorgeous, courageous, inexpensive, friendly, homely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.