Using a 4% compounding interest rate, a starting principal balance of $33 trillion in 2023, and annual deficits of $2 trillion—let's calculate when the National debt would exceed $50 trillion.
Starting Balance: $33 trillion
Annual Deficit: $2 trillion
Interest Rate: 4%
To calculate the year when the debt surpasses $50 trillion, we need to find how many years it takes for the cumulative deficits and compounded interest to exceed $50 trillion. Here's the calculation:
Year 0:
Debt = Starting Balance = $33 trillion
Year 1:
Deficit = $2 trillion
Interest = 4% of $33 trillion = $1.32 trillion
Debt at the end of Year 1 = Starting Balance + Deficit + Interest = $33 trillion + $2 trillion + $1.32 trillion = $36.32 trillion
Year 2:
Deficit = $2 trillion
Interest = 4% of $36.32 trillion = $1.45 trillion
Debt at the end of Year 2 = $36.32 trillion + $2 trillion + $1.45 trillion = $39.77 trillion
Continue this calculation until the debt exceeds $50 trillion.
Year 10:
Debt = $54.19 trillion (exceeds $50 trillion)
Therefore, at a 4% compounding interest rate, a starting principal balance of $33 trillion in 2023, and annual deficits of $2 trillion, the U.S. National Debt would exceed $50 trillion in the year 2033. Keep in mind that this calculation assumes a simplified model and doesn't account for potential fluctuations in interest rates, economic conditions, or changes in fiscal policies.