The Two Biggest Regrets for a Healthy Retirement

Investing is one of the most powerful tools available for building wealth over time, yet two of the most common regrets people have when it comes to their finances are: “I wish I had started earlier” and “I wish I had put away more.” These regrets are a reflection of the fact that time and contributions are key to the success of any long-term investment strategy. But here’s the good news: while you may feel you’ve missed your window of opportunity, it is never too late to start making smart financial decisions.

The Power of Starting Early

The advantage of starting early lies in the magic of compound interest. Compound interest allows your investments to grow not only based on the contributions you make but also on the returns those contributions generate. Over time, this snowball effect can turn even small, consistent contributions into significant sums. For example, an individual who starts investing $200 per month at age 25 can accumulate far more by age 65 than someone who waits until 40 to start, even if the latter contributes twice as much each month.

This is why many people who started later in life often say, “I wish I had started earlier.” Time is an asset you can’t get back, but the earlier you begin investing, the longer you have to take advantage of market growth and the compounding effect.

The Regret of Not Putting Away More

Even those who began investing early often look back and wish they had set aside more. This regret is rooted in the reality that the more you invest, the more wealth you accumulate. However, this is easier said than done. Competing financial priorities—such as paying off student loans, buying a home, or raising a family—can make it difficult to allocate more funds toward investing. As a result, many people find themselves approaching retirement with savings that fall short of their desired goals.

But the sentiment “I wish I had put away more” isn’t just about maximizing wealth—it’s also about the peace of mind that comes with financial security. A well-funded retirement account means you have options, flexibility, and the ability to weather financial storms without stress.

It’s Never Too Late to Start

While these regrets can weigh heavily, there is an equally important truth to remember: it is never too late to start investing. Regardless of whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or even 60s, taking action today is far better than doing nothing at all.

Starting later in life may mean adjusting your strategy. You may need to invest more aggressively, or contribute more each month, to make up for lost time. Alternatively, you could look at structuring products that allow for strategizing downside protection while providing upside potential. It’s also critical to take advantage of any employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k) or 403(b); or an IRA or Roth IRA if such plans are not available.

Additionally, individuals approaching retirement can look at maximizing contributions with catch-up provisions in retirement accounts, which allow those overt the age of 50 to contribute more. These extra contributions can have a big impact, especially if paired with disciplined spending and budgeting habits.

The Importance of Consistency

Regardless of when you start, the most important component of any investment plan is consistency. Systematic contributions to an investment account, even if it’s a modest amount, is the key to growing your wealth. While market fluctuations can be unnerving, staying the course during downturns works to ensure that you can benefit from eventual rebounds.

Regrets Don’t Have to Define Your Financial Future

It’s easy to look back and wish you had done things differently when it comes to investing, but dwelling on past regrets won’t change your future. The reality is that every day you delay starting an investment plan is a missed opportunity, but the moment you decide to take action, you’re moving toward a more secure financial future.

If you started later, or if you’re currently wishing you could have put away more, don’t be discouraged. The best time to start investing was yesterday, but the second-best time is today. Take control of what you can do now. Prioritize your financial goals, stay disciplined, and remember that investing is a long game. Whether you’re starting at 25 or 55, consistent effort and smart financial planning can help you build a better future.

_{Asset allocation, systematic investing diversification and rebalancing do not guarantee a profit or protection against loss in declining markets. Because such a strategy involves periodic investments, you should consider your financial ability to continue purchases in periods of low price levels. Asset Allocation is a method of diversification which positions assets among major investment categories.  This tool may be used in an effort to manage risk and enhance returns.  PPG- 7024408.1(9/24)(Exp. 9/26)}