Mistake to Avoid Not Starting to Save Early for Financial Goals
Postponing saving for your retirement or a college education for a child is unfortunately quite easy. There can be hundreds of reasons to delay and only one reason to start – your financial peace of mind. Weighing the benefits of instant gratification against your long-term financial security is never easy. Here are some examples of why saving early is better.
College Costs
Attending college has become expensive. A year’s tuition, room, board, books, fees and other expenses at many private universities can run over $35,000. For a public university, the costs can be over $15,000. Here are charts showing how much you would need to save each month starting when your child is different ages starting from zero and starting with a balance of $10,000.
Monthly Savings Needed to Fund College
Starting with No Balance
|
Starting when the child is: |
Private University |
Public University |
|
Age 3 |
$1040 |
$446 |
|
Age 6 |
$1232 |
$528 |
|
Age 9 |
$1551 |
$665 |
|
Age 12 |
$2189 |
$939 |
|
Age 15 |
$4105 |
$1759 |
* Assumes earnings rate of 7%.
Starting With a Balance of $10,000
|
Starting when the child is: |
Private University |
Public University |
|
Age 3 |
$950 |
$356 |
|
Age 6 |
$1129 |
$425 |
|
Age 9 |
$1426 |
$540 |
|
Age 12 |
$2019 |
$767 |
|
Age 15 |
$3796 |
$1450 |
* Assumes earnings rate of 7%.
As you can see, it pays to start early.
Retirement Planning
Calculating how much you will need to live during your retirement can be a complex process. There are many variables that should be taken into account. Here is a chart showing how much should be saved each month. The chart assumes the following: female, retiring at age 62, current income of $60,000, retirement income needs equal to 75% of current income, 3% inflation, 7% earnings on funds and a 28% income tax bracket.
|
Starting at: |
Monthly savings needed |
|
Age 30 |
$560 |
|
Age 35 |
$800 |
|
Age 40 |
$1185 |
|
Age 45 |
$1900 |
While these assumptions may not match your situation, you will see the benefit of starting early.
Accumulating $1,000,000
Here is a chart that just shows what you would need to save each month to accumulate one million dollars.
|
Years of Saving |
Monthly Savings Needed |
|
35 |
$555 |
|
30 |
$820 |
|
25 |
$1234 |
|
20 |
$1920 |
|
15 |
$3155 |
Summary
As you think about accumulating funds, there are only a few decisions you have to make.
- When do you start?
- What rate do you earn on the funds?
- How much do you save?
Starting to save early, regardless of your goal, makes good sense. Remember that compound interest rewards those that start early. Trying to earn higher rates of return is usually accomplished only by taking higher risks. Taking advantage of automatic savings plans at work, participating in your company’s 401(k) plan and taking advantage of any income tax breaks can also make the process easier.