Cost of Delay Calculator

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.

Compound growth works the same in Ireland. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to compound. Starting 5 years earlier on a €500/month plan at 7% could mean €200,000+ more at retirement.

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

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

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

This calculator assumes monthly contributions only. If you have a lump sum to invest, the cost of delay is different — the lump sum grows even without monthly additions. Use our Stock Investment Calculator for lump sum scenarios.

This calculator assumes monthly contributions only. If you have a lump sum to invest later, the cost of delay is different since the lump sum grows even without monthly additions.

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

Investing 500/month for 30 years at 7% grows to approximately 566,000. Delaying 5 years loses over 200,000 in potential growth.

Irish investors should consider this alongside pension contribution limits and CGT implications. Starting early is the single most important factor in building long-term wealth.

For a diversified global portfolio, 5-8% is typical before inflation. Irish investors should also consider currency risk on non-EUR investments as an additional factor.

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.