What does the delayed start cost over time?
The Delayed Start
$300 a month, ten years late, by 65 — the long-term cost is $405,000.
How the number's built.
The delay felt reasonable at 25. It made sense then. $300 a month from 25 becomes $769,000 by 65. From 35, it's $364,000. The ten years of missed contributions cost $36,000. The compounding that didn't run cost $369,000.
Starting five years earlier recovers $169,000.
No rush. It keeps until you want it.
starting at age 30 instead of 35 (35 yrs vs 30 yrs)
start at 30 (35 yrs): $532,488
start at 35 (30 yrs): $363,863
recovery back ≈ $169,000
$300 / month invested ($3,600/year)
starting early (40 yrs at 7% return): $768,994
starting 10 years late (30 yrs at 7% return): $363,863
gap = $768,994 - $363,863
missed opportunity cost ≈ $405,000
Assumptions
- Monthly contribution is modeled as an annual $3,600 deposit.
- Investment grows at 7% annually.
- Early timeline starts at age 25; late timeline starts at age 35; target age is 65.
- Recovery pathway assumes starting at age 30.
The cost of waiting to start investing
Last reviewed: May 2026.
An estimate built for reflection — not financial, medical, or legal advice. The figures follow the assumptions above.