Cost of Delay Calculator

Tax Year 2026

See how delaying your investment decisions impacts your long-term returns. Compare starting now vs waiting.

About this calculator

Cost of Delay Calculator shows the financial impact of postponing your investment or savings decisions.

Enter your lump sum, monthly contributions, and expected return rate. The tool compares the outcome of investing now versus delaying by months or years.

All projections are estimates. Past performance does not guarantee future returns.

The cost of delaying 5 years

Start now - final value

€609,485

30 years of contributions

Delayed - final value

€404,536

25 years of contributions

Total loss

€204,950

33.6% of potential value

Lost contributions

€30,000

5 years x €500/mo

Growth comparison

Start now vs delay - portfolio value over time

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Final comparison

Start now vs delayed vs loss

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Key insight

Why starting now matters

Start now

Invest €180,000 → €609,485

Growth: €429,485

Delay 5 years

Invest €150,000 → €404,536

Growth: €254,536

Opportunity cost

€204,950

Lost growth potential

What is the "cost of delay" in investing?

The cost of delay measures how much potential growth you lose by postponing your investments. Because of compound interest, delaying even a few years can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of euros over a 30-year horizon.

Why is starting early so important for Irish investors?

Compound growth works the same in Ireland. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to compound. Starting 5 years earlier could mean €200,000+ more at retirement.

Does this account for Irish CGT?

No — the calculator shows gross growth before tax. Irish CGT at 33% would reduce the final values. However, the relative comparison remains valid since both scenarios face the same tax treatment.

What about pension contributions in Ireland?

Delaying pension contributions also means missing out on tax relief at your marginal rate (20% or 40%). The cost is even higher when factoring in the lost tax relief.

What growth rate should I use for Irish investments?

For a diversified global portfolio, 5-8% is a common assumption before inflation. Irish investors should also consider currency risk on non-EUR investments.

Does the cost of delay apply to lump sums too?

This calculator assumes monthly contributions. If you have a lump sum, the cost of delay is different — the lump sum grows even without monthly additions.

What is the rule of 72 and delay?

The Rule of 72 says money doubles every 72/growth_rate years. At 7%, every 10 years of delay means missing one full doubling of your early contributions.

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Cost of Delay Calculator

The cost of delaying 5 years

Growth comparison

Final comparison

Key insight

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "cost of delay" in investing?

Why is starting early so important for Irish investors?

Does this account for Irish CGT?

What about pension contributions in Ireland?

What growth rate should I use for Irish investments?

Does the cost of delay apply to lump sums too?

What is the rule of 72 and delay?

Cost of Delay Calculator

The cost of delaying 5 years

Growth comparison

Final comparison

Key insight

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "cost of delay" in investing?

Why is starting early so important for Irish investors?

Does this account for Irish CGT?

What about pension contributions in Ireland?

What growth rate should I use for Irish investments?

Does the cost of delay apply to lump sums too?

What is the rule of 72 and delay?