What does the "time value of money" indicate?

The concept of the "time value of money" indicates that money received today is worth more than the same amount in the future. This principle is rooted in the opportunity cost associated with money. When you have money today, you can invest it, earn interest, or use it to generate additional income. As a result, the purchasing power of that money typically increases over time due to potential returns from investments or interest accrued.

For instance, if you receive $100 today and invest it at an interest rate of 5%, in one year, you would have $105. Conversely, if you were to receive that same $100 a year from now, you would miss out on that investment opportunity, making the future payment less valuable than its present equivalent.

This principle is essential for evaluating investments, savings, loans, and financial decisions, highlighting why time is a crucial factor in financial planning. The other options do not accurately depict the time value of money. Money becoming more valuable in the future, investments losing value, and expenses decreasing do not align with the core principle of the time value of money.