The Cost of Waiting: Why Time Matters in Investing

Have you ever noticed how small things add up over time? A few dollars spent on coffee each day, the miles you log on your running shoes, or the way Maine’s autumn leaves quietly pile into drifts—it doesn’t seem like much at first, but give it enough time, and the results are undeniable.

Money works the same way.

When it comes to investing, the biggest secret isn’t finding the “perfect” stock or timing the market just right. The secret is time. And here’s the truth: the longer your money has to grow, the less it has to work.

The Power of Starting Early

Imagine two friends—let’s call them Anna and Ben.

• Anna starts investing at 25, setting aside $300 a month for 10 years, then stops.

• Ben waits until he’s 35, then starts investing $300 a month and keeps going until he’s 65.

At retirement, even though Ben contributed three times as much money, Anna still has more. Why? Because her dollars had a 10-year head start, compounding quietly in the background.

That’s the cost of waiting.

Why This Matters for You

You might be thinking, “But I didn’t start at 25.” Most of us didn’t. And that’s okay. The point isn’t to look back with regret—it’s to start where you are.

Whether you’re 25, 45, or 65, the best time to take action is now. Every month you wait is one more month your money doesn’t get the chance to grow.

Small Steps Count

Here’s the encouraging part: you don’t have to start big.

• Automatic contributions—even small ones—add up faster than you think.

• Employer plans often match what you put in. That’s free money.

• Consistency beats intensity. Skipping one deposit isn’t the end of the world—just keep going.

It’s like training for a half marathon—you don’t need to sprint every day. You just need to keep lacing up your shoes.

Final Thought

The cost of waiting is real, but so is the benefit of starting today.

Your future self will thank you—not just for the money, but for the peace of mind that comes from knowing you didn’t put this off any longer.

So here’s the question: what small step can you take this week to give your money more time to work for you?