Why is it critical to start investing early?

Starting to invest early is essential primarily because it allows individuals to take advantage of compound interest, which significantly enhances wealth over time. When you invest money, it doesn't merely sit idle; instead, it begins to earn interest or generate returns. Over time, those earnings themselves can start earning returns as well. This process creates a snowball effect: the earlier you begin investing, the more time your money has to grow.

For example, if an individual invests a certain amount of money at a young age, the compound interest will accumulate over the years, potentially resulting in a much larger sum by the time they retire. Delaying investment means missing out on many years of compounding, which can lead to a considerably smaller return on investment in the long term.

While enjoying immediate financial returns, tax avoidance, and increasing current spending ability can be appealing aspects of personal finance, they do not compare to the long-term benefits derived from the power of compounding that comes with early investing. The ability to let investments grow without interruption over as many years as possible is what makes starting early so vital.