Ever felt like your money isn’t stretching as far as it used to? You are not alone. Whether it is groceries, rent, or education costs everything keeps getting pricier. That’s inflation at work. But here’s the bigger picture: the money you have today can be worth more than the same amount tomorrow.
Why? Because today’s money can be invested to grow. And if it just sits idle, you lose out on potential returns while inflation keeps eroding its value. That is exactly what the concept of the Time Value of Money (TVM) is all about understanding that money loses value over time if not put to work.
Understanding how inflation chips away at your savings is the first step—acting on it is what secures your future. Start investing early to beat inflation and let your money grow smarter.
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In this article, we will break down what TVM really means, how it works, and why it is a game-changer for smarter financial planning and investing.
What is the time value of money?
At its core, the time value of money tells us one simple thing: Rs. 100 today is worth more than Rs. 100 tomorrow. Why? Because you can invest today’s Rs. 100, earn interest or returns, and have more tomorrow.
The principal rests on three big ideas:
You can grow your money if you invest it today.
Inflation reduces the buying power of money over time.
Delaying investment means missing out on earnings.
Whether you are planning your future, saving for retirement, or deciding between two financial options, understanding TVM helps you make better, more informed decisions. Delaying your investment even by a year can reduce your long-term gains significantly. The earlier you start, the more your money can grow and beat inflation. Start Your SIP Journey Today and Let Time Work in Your Favour
How does time value of money work?
Let’s simplify this with a real-world example. Suppose someone offers you Rs. 5,000 today or Rs. 5,500 after one year. It might seem tempting to wait—but only if you’re not able to earn more than 10% on that Rs. 5,000 over the year.
The concept helps you compare what you might earn today versus what you’re promised in the future. If your current investment can fetch more than the delayed amount, take the money now.
Think of SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) too. If you invest Rs. 15,000 monthly at 10% annual returns, you’d accumulate around Rs. 11.7 lakh in 5 years. That’s the power of investing early and understanding the trade-offs between “now” and “later.
Time value of money formula
Once you understand the concept, the next step is knowing how to calculate it. Here’s the formula that helps you estimate how much your money will be worth in the future:
Future Value (FV) = Present Value (PV) × [1 + (i/n)] ^ (n × t)
Where:
PV = Today’s money (present value)
FV = What it will grow into (future value)
i = Interest rate (or expected return)
n = Number of times interest is compounded in a year
t = Number of years
This simple formula helps you figure out how today’s savings can multiply over time when invested at a given return rate. It's a useful tool whether you're planning for retirement, a child’s education, or just building wealth.
Example of time value of money
Let’s say you’re given a choice: Rs. 10,000 today or Rs. 10,000 after one year. What should you choose?
If you take it today and invest at 5% interest, you’ll end up with Rs. 10,500 in a year. That extra Rs. 500 is what you earn by acting early.
But if you wait a year to get the Rs. 10,000, you miss out on that interest. That’s a real opportunity cost. This is why the same amount of money is worth more now than later—because you can make it grow if you have it today.
Concept of time value of money: Underlying reasons
So, why does money lose value over time? And why do smart investors act early? Here are the key reasons:
Earnings and interest: Money in hand today can be invested immediately to generate returns.
Inflation: Prices rise over time, so tomorrow’s rupee won’t buy as much as today’s.
Uncertainty: The future is never guaranteed. Having money now gives you control and options.
Opportunity costs: When you delay using your money, you give up the chance to grow it through investments.
Significance of time value of money
The time value of money isn’t just a finance textbook theory it affects almost every money decision you make. Whether you’re picking an investment, planning retirement, or running a business, this concept helps you think long-term.
For example, if two projects offer you Rs. 1 lakh, but one pays now and the other after 3 years, which would you pick? Most people would choose the one that pays now—and that’s smart. Why? Because you can invest that Rs. 1 lakh today and make it grow. By the third year, it could be worth much more.
That’s the power of the time value of money—it helps you use your money smarter by making it work for you as early as possible.
Uses of time value of money concept
So how do people and businesses use this idea? A few common ways include:
Investment planning: Helps you compare future returns across different options.
Inflation adjustment: Shows how rising prices eat into your money’s worth.
Business strategy: Companies use it to evaluate which projects are worth investing in.
Loan decisions: Helps figure out how much a loan really costs over time.
Wealth building: Guides financial managers to pick the most profitable opportunities.
One of the most practical ways to apply the time value of money is by choosing investments that not only grow your wealth but also beat inflation over time like a well-diversified mutual fund schemes. Compare Mutual Fund Options That Help You Beat Inflation
Techniques of TVM
There are two main techniques that help calculate the time value of money. Each gives you a different perspective:
Present Value Method: Also called the discounting method, it helps you figure out how much a future amount is worth today. It’s useful when you’re expecting to receive money in the future but want to know what it’s worth in today’s terms.
Future Value Method: Also known as compounding, this technique helps you estimate how much your current money will grow over time if invested at a certain rate.
Importance of time value of money in finance
The time value of money (TVM) isn’t just for personal savings—it’s a major tool in finance. Whether it’s an individual investor, a bank, or a big company, TVM is used almost everywhere.
Here’s why: every financial decision involves comparing what you spend now with what you’ll get in return later. And TVM helps you do just that.
Let’s say you’re choosing between two mutual fund schemes. One promises better returns five years from now, and the other offers steady growth starting today. Understanding TVM helps you weigh your options based on what your money will be worth in the future.
It is also used to evaluate loans, decide whether a business project is worth the cost, or plan for big goals like retirement. In short, TVM is the lens through which smart financial decisions are made.
How does time value of money impact investment decision-making?
When you are deciding where to invest, you’re essentially choosing how to turn today’s money into more tomorrow. That’s where TVM steps in. It helps you compare the future value of different investment options so you’re not just chasing returns, but also understanding what they’re truly worth over time.
For example, if two mutual fund options offer different returns, TVM lets you compare their actual worth based on inflation and time. It brings clarity to your choices.
And it is not just about personal finance. Businesses use TVM to decide whether investing in a new product or entering a new market is worth it. By factoring in time and returns, they can better evaluate risk vs reward.
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Time value of money and inflation
Inflation is the invisible force that chips away at your money’s worth. And it is one of the main reasons TVM matters so much.
Here’s a simple way to think about it: Rs. 500 today buys less than it did five years ago and five years from now, it’ll buy even less. Inflation erodes purchasing power, and that’s why your money needs to grow just to keep up.
If your investments don’t earn more than the inflation rate, you’re effectively losing money even if you see returns on paper.
TVM helps you take inflation into account while planning your finances, so you’re not just growing your money you are protecting its real-world value. To outpace inflation, your investments must grow faster than rising prices. That’s where well-chosen mutual funds can help preserve and grow your wealth over time. Compare Mutual Fund Options Now!
How does inflation impact the time value of money?
Inflation does not just make things more expensive it directly affects how valuable your money is over time. The same Rs. 1,000 you have today will likely buy fewer groceries, less fuel, or fewer services a few years from now. That’s inflation slowly eating into your purchasing power.
Now, apply this to your investments. If you are earning 5% returns but inflation is at 6%, you are losing value in real terms. That is why it is not enough to just earn returns you need returns that beat inflation.
Understanding this helps you plan smarter. Whether it is choosing mutual funds with long-term growth potential or diversifying your portfolio, factoring in inflation helps ensure your money doesn’t just grow it holds its true value over time.
Key takeaways
The time value of money (TVM) says money today is worth more than the same amount in the future because of its earning potential.
Investing earlier helps you grow wealth faster and avoid opportunity costs.
Inflation lowers the future value of money, making it essential to invest in options that can outpace it.
TVM is critical in all financial decisions—from investment and borrowing to retirement planning and business expansion.
Calculating TVM helps you estimate how much your money is worth when planning future goals or comparing financial options.
Conclusion
In simple terms, the time value of money is your financial wake-up call: don’t sit on cash and expect it to hold the same value tomorrow. By investing early and strategically, you take full advantage of your money’s potential to grow and shield it from inflation’s bite.
This concept is not just theory it is a practical tool that can guide every important financial decision you make. Whether it is picking the right mutual fund, calculating a loan's real cost, or planning for retirement, understanding TVM puts you in control of your financial future.
If inflation is silently shrinking your money’s value, then investing it smartly is the only way to fight back. Mutual funds offer a practical route to grow wealth faster than inflation eats it. Explore Top Performing Mutual Funds!
Investing in mutual funds can help you potentially secure inflation-beating returns while diversifying your portfolio. You can make SIP or lumpsum investments to preserve the time value of money and watch your funds grow over time. You can tailor your portfolio to align with your goals and risk appetite on the Bajaj Finserv Mutual Funds Platform. This digital platform allows you to compare mutual funds and choose from over 1000 MF. Moreover, you can access easy tools like Step Up SIP Calculator and Lump Sum Calculators to estimate your contributions and returns.
