Why Is $100 Received Today Worth More Than $100 Received

question 206

Essay

Why is $100 received today worth more than $100 received at a future date? Is inflation the fundamental reason?

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Definitions:

Internal Rate

Often referring to the Internal Rate of Return (IRR), it's the discount rate that makes the net present value (NPV) of all cash flows from a particular project equal to zero.

Cash Flows

The total amount of money being transferred into and out of a business, especially as affecting liquidity.

Outlay

The amount of money spent on a particular expense or investment.

Payback Period

The time it takes for an investment to generate an amount of income or cash equal to the cost of the investment.