Early Career
How Much Is Starting Early Really Worth?
Your 20s and 30s give you the most time for compounding. Every dollar invested now has 30-40 years to compound. An employer 401(k) match adds to your savings rate. A Roth IRA at 28 could mean tax-advantaged income at 68 (subject to qualified-distribution rules). The decisions you make in this decade shape the trajectory for everything that follows.
Interactive Tool
Compound Growth Visualizer
See how starting now vs. waiting 5 or 10 years changes your retirement outcome.
Start now
$1.6M
by age 65
Wait 5 years
$1.1M
Cost of waiting: $501K
Wait 10 years
$718K
Cost of waiting: $855K
Investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. Actual results will vary based on market conditions, fees, tax circumstances, and other factors. Not investment advice. Consult with a qualified financial advisor before making decisions. Investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.
Get Your Personalized Analysis
These numbers are general estimates. Alex Carter specializes in building the foundation planning and can build a strategy tailored to your situation.