The Cost of Waiting Calculator
Three people. Same monthly contribution. Same investment return. Different start ages. The gap between them at retirement is the most powerful argument for starting now — and the maths is brutal at almost any setting. Try it below.
The winner
Started at 22
£379,259
45 years
Contributed: £54,000
Growth: £325,259
Contributed: £54,000
Growth: £325,259
Started at 32
£180,105
35 years
Contributed: £42,000
Growth: £138,105
Contributed: £42,000
Growth: £138,105
Started at 42
£81,007
25 years
Contributed: £30,000
Growth: £51,007
Contributed: £30,000
Growth: £51,007
The cost of waiting 20 years
£298,252
Same £100/month. Same 7% return. Just a 20-year head start.
About these figures. The figures above assume a constant annual return for simplicity. Real-world equity returns vary year-to-year and can be negative. The 7% default is the long-run nominal global-equity average; subtract roughly 2-3% to think in inflation-adjusted (real) terms. This is general education, not financial advice — check with an FCA-authorised adviser for decisions about your specific situation.
Important — this is general information, not financial advice. Figures and examples are illustrative and may go out of date. This is not a personal recommendation. For advice tailored to your situation, speak to an FCA-authorised adviser.
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