The future value (FV) concept is fundamental in finance as it reflects the time value of money. It shows how a current sum of money will grow over time at a specific interest rate. This principle helps investors understand potential investment growth, making it easier to compare different financial options.

Understanding future value offers several benefits. For example, it helps in making informed investment decisions. By projecting investment growth, individuals can compare financial products such as savings accounts, bonds, and stocks to determine the best potential return. This ensures investments align with financial goals and risk tolerance.

Future value is essential for setting realistic financial objectives. It allows individuals to estimate the future worth of their investments, considering compounding interest. This helps in strategic financial planning, allocating resources for long-term goals like retirement, education, or major purchases.

Future value extends to various financial applications. In retirement planning, it helps estimate the necessary savings for a desired retirement amount. In education funding, it aids in planning for future tuition costs. Businesses use future value to evaluate potential returns on capital investments, guiding decisions on projects and expenditures.