Start Now vs. Start Later
The same monthly contribution, different starting ages.
Every line below contributes the same amount each month. Only the starting age changes. Starting earlier means more months of principal paid in and far more time for growth on top of it.
Starting at birth (by 18)
$38,735
Starting at 15 (by 18)
$3,934
Cost of waiting
$34,801
Your assumptions
Monthly contribution$100
Assumed annual return6%
Money needed by age18
Waiting from birth until age 15 costs $34,801 — and only $18,000 of that is extra money out of pocket. The rest is growth that never had time to happen.
Value at age 18 by start date
Principal you paid in vs. growth on top
The dark bar is your own money (principal). The mint bar is hypothetical growth that principal earned.
Birth · 18 yrs$21,600 in · $17,135 growth
Age 5 · 13 yrs$15,600 in · $7,945 growth
Age 10 · 8 yrs$9,600 in · $2,683 growth
Age 13 · 5 yrs$6,000 in · $977 growth
Age 15 · 3 yrs$3,600 in · $334 growth
Hypothetical projections at a constant assumed rate. Not investment advice; actual returns vary and may be negative.