Money now or more money later?Your answer has an interest rate.

A friend paying you back, a bonus, a game-show prize. Each time you choose: take it today, or wait and get more. We keep adjusting the offer until we find your switch point, then turn it into one number: the yearly interest rate you charge the future.

3 minutes6 money choicesPure maths, no lecture

How much does waiting cost you?

Economists call it your discount rate: how much extra money it takes to make you wait. We don't ask if you're patient. We offer real-looking choices over one month, three months, six months and a year, and turn your answers into a yearly rate you can compare with a bank, a credit card or your friends.

The Patient InvestorFuture you sends a thank-you note.

The Steady PlannerYou can wait, but make it worth it.

The Bird-in-HandLater is fine. Now is better.

Live-for-TodayTomorrow is a rumour. Today is real.

Now-or-NeverShow me the money. Today.