§ Calculator · Savings
Cost of delaying savings
What this is
The most expensive years of compound interest are the earliest ones.
Start saving at 25 vs 30 vs 35: the gap at retirement is shocking. The cost of a 5-year delay can be six figures, because those early dollars compound for the longest.
Start now FV
$502,258
Delayed FV
$346,497
Cost of delay
$155,761
Start now vs delay 5 years
Compounding works best with TIME, not amount. $500/month from age 25 beats $1,000/month from age 35 over a 65-year retirement target — the early years dominate.
Disclaimer
Educational, not financial advice. Output is generated by an AI assistant using simplified assumptions. Tax rates, contribution limits, and benefit amounts change annually; confirm with a CFP, CPA, or the relevant Canadian regulator (CRA, FSRA, OSC, IIROC) before acting.