Cost of Delay Calculator

Discover the true financial cost of delaying your investment and savings decisions

Calculate compound interest impact of delayed investing

£
Amount you want to invest
years
How long you plan to invest for
Choose your investment approach

Cost of Delay Results

Invest Today £10,000
Delay 1 Year £10,200
Delay 5 Years £11,040
Delay 10 Years £12,190

Cost Summary

Cost of 1 Year Delay £200
Cost of 5 Year Delay £1,040
Cost of 10 Year Delay £2,190

Investment Timing Insights

The Power of Starting Early

  • 10 years earlier = 2-3x more wealth
  • Compound interest accelerates over time
  • Small amounts early beat large amounts late
  • Time is your most valuable asset
  • Consistency matters more than timing

Common Delay Excuses

  • "I'll wait for the right time"
  • "I need to save more first"
  • "The market is too high"
  • "I'll start when I earn more"
  • "I need to pay off debt first"

Catch-up Strategies

  • Increase monthly contributions
  • Extend working years
  • Take on higher risk investments
  • Reduce retirement lifestyle expectations
  • Utilise catch-up contributions (pensions)

UK Investment Options

  • ISA: £20,000 annual allowance
  • SIPP: Up to £60,000 annually
  • General Investment Account
  • Workplace pension
  • Premium Bonds: Up to £50,000