Cost of Waiting Calculator
See what delaying your first investment really costs you.
Rule of 72 — How Fast Does Money Double?
%
The average annual return you expect on your investments.
Years to Double Your Money
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Rule of 72: divide 72 by your return rate for a quick estimate.
Cost of Waiting — Starting Early vs. Starting Late
$
How much you invest every month.
%
Same assumption as above — feel free to change it.
The age you're investing toward.
Age you start investing in Scenario A.
Age you start investing in Scenario B.
Results at Retirement
Early
Years Investing (Early)—
Balance at Retirement (Early)Same monthly amount, invested starting at your earlier age.—
Total Contributed (Early)—
Late
Years Investing (Late)—
Balance at Retirement (Late)Same monthly amount, invested starting at your later age.—
Total Contributed (Late)—
Cost of Waiting
—
Total difference at retirement, including the extra contributions.
Balance at Retirement: Early vs. Late
Assumptions
For simplicity, this assumes one deposit per year (your monthly amount × 12) that grows once a year. Investing every month would end a little higher. Return is a real (after-inflation) rate.
Estimates for illustration only.
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