The Biggest Wealth Hack? TIME.

What if I told you the difference between starting today and starting 10 years from now could literally mean millions of dollars?

That may sound insane, but it’s true! It’s the magic of compound growth, often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world.

Why the First Dollar Matters Most

Think of it like a snowball. You start off clumping together some snow in your hands. Then you roll it down a hill, and it starts picking up more snow. At first, it feels slow… but eventually, that snowball grows so large it’s unstoppable.

Investing works the same way. Your money earns money. Then that money earns money. And that money earns even more. It’s exponential growth.

The Numbers

Let’s break it down with some real numbers.

• Start at age 20: Invest $7,000/year until age 64.

  • Contributions = $315,000

  • Ending balance (7% return) = $2,000,245

• Start at age 30: Invest $7,000/year until age 64.

  • Contributions = $245,000

  • Ending balance (7% return) = $967,658

That’s nearly double the money just by starting 10 years earlier. Notice how the total contributions aren’t that different, only $70,000 apart. But the ending balances? Over a $1 million difference.

That’s the snowball effect in action.

Why Most People Wait

It’s easy to delay investing. You think:

• “I’ll start when I make more money.”

• “I’ll start after I buy the house.”

• “I’ll start after the wedding, the car, the kids…”

The truth? There will always be another “big” expense. And before you know it, 10–20 years have passed.

Most people could start today with as little as $25–50 a week. You probably wouldn’t even miss it from your bank account. And slowly, you can increase contributions over time.

Where to Start

• Employer 401(k): If your company offers one (especially with a match) this is often the best place to start. That match = free money.

• Roth IRA: A cheat code for younger investors. You put money in while you’re in a lower tax bracket, it grows for decades, and you pull it out tax-free in retirement. That’s a deal you don’t want to pass up.

Final Note

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’ll start later, contribute more, or earn higher returns. The real hack is starting now, no matter the amount.

Your future self will thank you.

And if you’re not sure where to start? That’s exactly what I help people with, building simple, smart financial plans to put you on the path to long-term wealth.