The Rule of 72 enables you to calculate approximately how fast your money will double at a given hypothetical rate of return.

Here's a quick tip. To find out how fast your money will double, simply divide 72 by the annual rate of return. For example, if an investment offered an annualized return of 6 percent, it would take 12 years to double the investment (72 divided by 6 = 12). If your investment earned 10 percent a year, it would only take about 7.2 years to double your money (72 divided by 10).

Note that these examples assume that your investment is earning a consistent rate of return. The performance of investments with fluctuating rates of return will be harder to predict.

This assumes no product charges and does not represent the returns of a particular product or fund. The rule of 72 is based on compounding a fixed rate of return over long periods. Investing has inherent risks of fluctuating prices, earnings, yields and dividends due to adverse or unpredictable market conditions. The rule of 72 is hypothetical and there is no assurance that any particular investment would double within the timeframe.

Jason Anderson is an Auburn native and financial consultant with AXA Advisors. He may be reached at 425-6340 or jason.anderson@axa-advisors.com