I started contributing to my 401k 12 years ago when I was 28, earning $35k at my first real job. Initially, I was only contributing the minimum to get the 3% company match. Those early years were discouraging—watching small contributions barely make a dent. I often felt like giving up since it felt pointless.
Fast forward to today: I’m 40, and my 401k has grown to $300k. While it’s still not where I’d like to be, the compound interest is finally making a noticeable impact. It’s growing faster than ever before.
For anyone just starting out, I want to emphasize the importance of sticking with it. Time and consistency are the secret ingredients to making this work, even if it feels slow and frustrating at first. Keep contributing—it’s worth it in the end.
Investing is about patience. Set a percentage you’re comfortable with, automate contributions, and don’t obsess over it. When you retire, you’ll be grateful.
Great progress! Remember that big market returns like recent years won’t always happen. Stick with your plan even when the market dips—you’ll thank yourself later.
Don’t underestimate the power of the employer match. A 5% match effectively doubles your contribution—it’s free money. Stay consistent and let it grow.
Compounding starts slow but accelerates over time. After 30 years of saving, I’ve seen my investments grow exponentially. The key is starting early and sticking with it.
I started investing at 23 with small contributions. Now at 52, my 401k has grown to $1.45M. The first million feels impossible, but the second is inevitable.