What could waiting to start cost you, in about 1 minute
Waiting is a decision even when it does not feel like one. This compares starting now with starting later, holding everything else exactly the same.
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What this assumes
- Every scenario uses the same monthly contribution, the same target retirement age and the same hypothetical annual rate. Only the start date changes.
- The balance is compounded monthly at that rate. It is your assumption for illustration, not a forecast and not an offer of any kind.
- A delayed start means the contributions in those years are simply never made. They are not made later and they are not made larger.
- Inflation, taxes and fees are not applied, and contributions are treated as level and never missed.
Reading your result
What this calculated
The same monthly contribution carried to the same retirement age from several start dates, so the only variable left is time. The shortfall shown is what the later start never had the years to build.
Why the number matters
Delay never feels expensive, because nothing leaves your account when you wait. The cost stays invisible until it is placed beside the version that started earlier, which is the only place it shows up.
What could change it
A different assumed return changes the size of the gap but not its direction. Contributing more later closes part of it, and a later retirement age gives the delayed start more time to make ground up.
Reasonable next steps
Start with an amount you will not resent, however small, and set it to move automatically so the decision is made once. If timing rather than money is the problem, put a date on the calendar.
This tool is educational and does not provide financial, investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Results are estimates based only on the information you enter and the assumptions shown, they are not a quote, an offer of coverage or a promise of any outcome, and your actual situation will differ. Insurance guarantees are backed by the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Speak with a licensed professional before acting on anything you see here.
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