We’ve all done it. Put something off “until later,” telling ourselves we’ll get to it eventually. In fact, Charles Dickens called procrastination “the thief of time,” and he wasn’t wrong.
Maybe it’s an overdue oil change, a home project that’s been on your list for months, or that little voice from childhood reminding you that chores don’t do themselves. We’re all likely guilty of a little procrastination here and there. However, when it comes to your financial future, those small delays can add up to missed opportunities to grow your money and gain potential returns.
If saving, investing, or planning for retirement has been sitting on your “someday” list, here’s some good news: someday can start today! Read on as we highlight the benefits of developing a robust financial strategy early to help you reach your short-and-long-term goals.
Why Do We Put Off Planning for Our Money?
You’re in good company if you’ve hit pause on your financial planning and investment plans. According to a 2026 Gallup survey, nearly 156 million American adults, or roughly 58% of the U.S. population, own stock either directly or through products like mutual funds, ETFs, or retirement accounts.1 That’s down 4% from last year, marking the first drop since 2022.1
If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking of any of these, you’re not alone:
- “I’ll start saving once I make more money.”
- “I’ll invest when the market feels safer.”
- “I’ve got plenty of time to plan before retirement.”
- “I honestly don’t even know where to begin.”
These thoughts make total sense, because money can feel complicated, and waiting for the “right moment” often feels safer. But here’s the thing: the sooner you start investing, the more time your money has to potentially grow.
And, if you’re not quite sure where to begin, that’s exactly what our Financial Consultants are here for! From navigating financial planning and estate planning, to tax-efficient strategies, and retirement planning, our team is here to help you wherever you’re at on your financial journey.
The Power of Starting Financial Investing Early
One of the best-kept secrets about investing is: time is your biggest advantage.
Thanks to compound growth, your money doesn’t just sit there; it has the potential to earn returns, and those returns can go on to generate even more earnings for you. The more time you give it, the more room compounding has to work in your favor.
Let’s look at two hypothetical investors, Charlie and Cindy. Each invests $10,000 per year, but Charlie starts investing early.
Charlie starts investing right away
Charlie begins investing $10,000 a year for 10 years into an account using a hypothetical 6% annual return. Then, he stops contributing entirely, but leaves his money invested for another 10 years. By year 20, Charlie has over $236,000 in his hypothetical account.
Cindy waits to start investing
Cindy decides to hold off 10 years before starting to invest. After that, she invests $10,000 per year for the next 10 years into an account earning the same hypothetical 6% rate of return. At year 20, Cindy has earned a little less than $132,000.
As you can see, both Charlie and Cindy put in the exact same amount over the total of 10 years: $100,000. But Charlie comes out ahead, simply because his money had more time to grow. Even after he stopped contributing, compounding kept working quietly in the background.
The takeaway? It’s not just how much you save. It’s about how much time you give your money to grow.
Small Steps Now Can Lead to a Stronger Financial Future
If the idea of getting started feels overwhelming, we get it. You don’t need to have it all figured out today though. Financial planning is a journey, not a single decision, and every journey starts somewhere.
Here are 4 simple steps to help you get started:
- Get clear on your goals. Ask yourself what you’re saving for, when you hope to reach your goals by, and if you’re currently on track to support your plans. Being sure you have a clear financial picture is an important first step in getting started.
- Build a savings strategy you can stick with. Automating your contributions is one of the easiest ways to stay consistent, especially on the busy weeks when saving may slip your mind.
- Explore your investment options. A Logix Financial Consultant can help you sort through tailored strategies that fit your unique goals, timeline, and comfort level. Afterall, we understand there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
- Try to let go of the idea of “perfect timing.” Here’s a little secret: there’s no such thing as the perfect moment to start. The people who get ahead are usually the ones who just began, even in a small way, and let momentum do the rest.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Financial Planning?
Whatever you’re working towards, be it building wealth, saving for your child’s education, or planning for retirement, the best time to start is today, not “someday.”
Don’t let procrastination stand between you and your financial future. Connect with a Logix Financial Consultant, and let’s partner together to build a personalized strategy you feel genuinely confident about.
MEET OUR Financial ConsultantSCitations:
1 https://news.gallup.com/poll/1711/stock-market.aspx
Disclosures:
This is a hypothetical example of mathematical compounding. It’s used for comparison purposes only and is not intended to represent the past or future performance of any investment. Taxes and investment costs were not considered in this example. The results are not a guarantee of performance or specific investment advice. The rate of return on investments will vary over time, particularly for long-term investments. Investments that offer the potential for high returns also carry a high degree of risk. Actual returns will fluctuate. The type of strategies illustrated may not be suitable for everyone.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.
The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.
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