I know the answer—I just didn’t have extra money when I was younger! Plus, no one in my family invested, so I had no guidance.
Anyone else in the same boat? (Just to clarify, I’m not talking about retirement accounts—I started those earlier.)
Even if you started at 26, you’d probably still regret not starting at 21. We all think about ‘what ifs’—it’s just human nature.
Reagan said:
Even if you started at 26, you’d probably still regret not starting at 21. We all think about ‘what ifs’—it’s just human nature.
I started passively with a 401(k) at 27, but didn’t max out contributions or put in extra until 29. I’m 32 now and still catch myself thinking, ‘What if I had started earlier?’ It’s a tough mindset to break.
@Koa
Same here. I started going to the gym at 23, and I constantly regret not starting earlier. But like you said, that kind of thinking isn’t helpful.
Reagan said:
@Koa
Same here. I started going to the gym at 23, and I constantly regret not starting earlier. But like you said, that kind of thinking isn’t helpful.
I got serious about bodybuilding in my late 40s, and instead of thinking ‘I wish I started earlier,’ I just tell myself, ‘I’m glad I’m doing it now.’ I think that mindset is way healthier.
@Caden
100% agree!
Reagan said:
Even if you started at 26, you’d probably still regret not starting at 21. We all think about ‘what ifs’—it’s just human nature.
I started working at 16 and regret not investing back then. Would have made a huge difference.
Reagan said:
Even if you started at 26, you’d probably still regret not starting at 21. We all think about ‘what ifs’—it’s just human nature.
Can confirm. I started at 16 and STILL regret not starting earlier.
I’m 42 and in the same boat. But every day I remind myself—I started, and I’m sticking with it. 47 is better than 55.
Hollis said:
I’m 42 and in the same boat. But every day I remind myself—I started, and I’m sticking with it. 47 is better than 55.
I’m 53. At this point, I just hope I can save enough to cover funeral expenses. I don’t really have anything valuable to leave behind.
@Neve
You could go all-in on some sketchy penny stock and see what happens. Not financial advice, just saying…
“The best time to start was 10 years ago. The second-best time is now.” Some quote from some book—I don’t even remember which one.
I started at 22, and I feel like it was late! Just this year, I put about $7K into VTI, VXUS, and SCHD. Keep going, you got this!
@Skylar
Hope that old saying still holds true…
Congrats on getting started! Don’t waste time thinking about the past—focus on what’s ahead. A lot of people never even realize they need to invest at all.
Life throws curveballs, and some people just don’t have the ability to invest earlier. I started at 29, but then had to stop for 12 years. Finally got back to it, and I’m grateful I did.
@Griff
Same here. Started at 34 but didn’t take it seriously at first. Got focused about four years ago, and now I’m 51.
I started at 47 (outside of my work pension) and just turned 51. I only invest in an index fund, and it’s been great. I might pass it down to my kids, but we’ll see.
If the market keeps going the way it has, in 10 years, I might have $300K–$400K, and in 20 years, maybe over a million. It really starts to compound after a few years.
@Mica
Nice! Which fund are you using? I’m in Fidelity MSCI World and L&G Global Tech.
Nolan said:
@Mica
Nice! Which fund are you using? I’m in Fidelity MSCI World and L&G Global Tech.
I’m in a US market mutual fund with my bank (0.06% fees). It’s basically the S&P 500. I’m in Canada, so they handle the tax side for me.
S&P 500 and Nasdaq are solid choices in my opinion.
@Mica
You meant 0.06%, right?
Bennet said:
@Mica
You meant 0.06%, right?
LOL, yeah!