Cost of waiting
See what every year of “I’ll start later” costs you: how much capital you miss out on and how much you will need to save to catch up.
Capital by year
Table
What each delay costs
Why waiting costs so much
Compound interest works over the long run: the final years bring the most growth. By delaying the start, you lose not the first years but the last, most profitable ones.
That is why a 5-year delay over a 25-year horizon costs not a fifth of the result but much more. You can catch up, but only with bigger contributions.
The Wealth Plan financial checkup shows the cost of delay right in your plan: what each year of waiting costs your own pension.
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The financial checkup works out how much to save for your pension and goals, shows the risks to your wealth and suggests instruments for your risk profile. Free.
FAQ
What is the cost of waiting?
It is the gap between the capital you build if you start now and the capital if you start later, with the same contributions and returns. Because of compound interest it grows faster than it seems.
Can I catch up if I start later?
Yes, but you will have to save more. The calculator shows how many times larger your monthly contribution must be to reach the same capital in less time.
What return should I enter?
For a conservative dollar portfolio, 4–6% a year; for a balanced one, 6–8%; for global stocks over the long term, 8–10%. Returns are not guaranteed, so it helps to try several options.