People often think that delaying starting a regular investment plan by a couple of years won’t matter that much and assume that they can ‘catch-up’ by investing a higher monthly amount later in life. However the effect of delaying can be greater than you think.

When you have a goal in mind

At certain points in your life, you might realise that you should start preparing for something further down the line – education for your children or your retirement, for example. You might also think you can leave it for a few years, after all five years isn’t going to make that much of a difference, is it?

However, when you look at the example below you’ll see how big an impact even a relatively short delay can have on how much you need to put by each month to build up the same amount. You’ll be left in no doubt that the earlier you start, the less you will have to invest each month.

Start now for a more secure financial future

If you put US$1,000 a month into an investment plan for 25 years, your pot at the end could be worth almost US$598,000*. However if you leave it for just five years, you would need to put in US$1,451* in the same investment plan each month to end up with the same amount.

*Important notes

Pot values quoted assume an annual growth rate of 5% over the periods indicated. These figures are indicative only and not based on an actual investment. There is no guarantee of the annual growth rate. You will be subject to investment and market risks.

In addition the total amount that you’ll need to invest in order to achieve the same end point are very different. US$1,000 per month for 25 years makes up US$300,000, whereas US$1,451 per month for 20 years makes up US$348,240.

The cost of delay

So remember, the longer you delay, the more you’ll need to put in to achieve a particular lump sum, both on a monthly basis and overall.

It may be stating the obvious, but when it comes to long-term investing, the sooner you start, the greater the opportunity to build up a bigger pot for your future.

What might not be so obvious is just how big that effect can be. You can see the benefit
of starting early from the example on the previous page.

Investing in an investment-linked assurance scheme may be one of the options for you to reach your financial goal.

Ask your financial adviser for other examples of the impact of delaying starting your plans or for our ‘Your guide to regular investing’ brochure.

Now’s the time to start planning. Now’s the time to talk to Heng An Standard Life (Asia). Ask your financial adviser for details.

It’s easy to put off starting planning. But remember, if you don’t start now, you’ll have to put more money aside later.

Find out more. 

www.hengansl.com.hk

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference only and should not be construed as legal, tax or investment advice. You should seek professional advice regarding your tax circumstances and the types of investment that are suitable for you. Investing in investment-linked assurance scheme involves investment risks. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

More articles