§ 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.