Freedom Financial Education SeriesEducation first. Decisions second.

The Cost of Waiting Calculator

See how delaying consistent saving can affect a long-term goal.

Interactive learning tool

Time is one of your most valuable financial resources.

Compare starting today with waiting several years while keeping the monthly contribution, assumed return, and retirement age the same.

Your assumptions

Contributions are modeled at the beginning of each month and returns are compounded monthly.

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Balance by age

Each line assumes the same monthly contribution and retirement age, but a different starting age.

Start nowFirst delaySecond delay

Scenario comparison

The difference includes both contributions not made and growth those contributions did not have time to earn.

ScenarioStart ageYears contributingTotal contributedEstimated growthEnding valueDifference vs. now
Freedom Principle: Starting earlier does not require perfection. A manageable amount begun sooner may have more time to work than a larger amount begun much later.
What does “cost of waiting” mean?

It is the difference between a projected ending value when contributions begin now and the projected value when the same contributions begin later. It is not a fee or guaranteed loss.

How is this calculated?

The calculator assumes a constant nominal annual return, compounded monthly. Each contribution is added at the beginning of the month, then earns the monthly assumed return.

Are these investment results?

No. Actual returns vary, can be negative, and may be reduced by fees, taxes, inflation, withdrawals, and product terms. The illustration does not represent any specific investment.

What should a participant try?

Change one input at a time. Compare a smaller contribution started earlier with a larger contribution started later, or adjust the retirement age to see the value of additional time.