Why compounding is so powerful
Compound interest is earning interest on your interest. At first it feels slow and frustrating; over the years the curve takes off, because every dollar you earn starts generating its own dollars. That's why time and consistency (contributing a little, but always) matter more than chasing a jackpot.
⚠️ The reality check for traders. This calculator assumes a constant return, and that's the trap: in trading the return is NOT a fixed %. There are good months, bad months and drawdowns. An account that does +10% one month and −10% the next is not flat: it loses money (1.10 × 0.90 = 0.99). Volatility eats compounding. Anyone promising you "a guaranteed 10% monthly" is selling smoke — see how quickly an account really blows up in the risk of ruin calculator.
Use this tool for what it's actually good at: understanding the power of contributing consistently at a reasonable, sustainable return over the long run. Not to justify betting the account trying to double it in a month.