PFSA helps you figure the future value, present value, compound interest, loan term, and (of course) tips. The time value of money is an important concept PFSA explores.
Compound interest deals with a calculated interest value being added to a principal, and then that new value being used in the next interest calculation. Interest can be calculated in many different ways (annually, monthly, daily, etc.) and PFSA will enable you to compare and contrast terms.
The future value is the amount a current investment will be worth at a specific time in the future. This value is based on the current amount, the length of the investment, and the expected interest rate.
The present value can be viewed as the inverse of the future value. Given a known value, like a bond maturing in 10 years, what is the present value of that bond? PFSA will can tell you.
PFSA will also calculate loan payments. Given the details of the loan, including loan amount, annual interest rate, and the term of the loan in months, you can determine the monthly payment and the total amount you will have paid. That may surprise you, especially of youre looking at a home loan!
Finally, no financial tool is worth its salt if it doesnt provide a tip calculator. And PFSA has a fine one.