Timing
Delaying Monthly Contributions (What It Can Change)
Waiting to start monthly contributions reduces how many payments you make and how long each payment can compound under the same assumptions. These examples show the effect.
Published: December 22, 2025 · Updated: December 22, 2025 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Test your timing
Compare start-now vs start-later with your monthly amount.
Disclaimer
Educational purposes only; not financial advice. Examples are illustrative; real returns vary and investments can go down as well as up. Fees, taxes, inflation, and provider rules vary by country and account type.
Quick answer
Delaying monthly contributions usually lowers the ending balance because there are fewer payments and each has less time to grow. Longer delays, higher assumptions, and longer horizons make the gap bigger. Deposit timing (start vs end of month) can shift totals slightly.
How to catch up after delayingWhy monthly delays matter
- Fewer deposits in total when you start later.
- Each deposit compounds for less time under the same assumptions.
Timing note
Depositing at the start vs end of a month can change results a little. The calculator focuses on the delay window; actual deposit dates may vary by provider.
Example 1: £100/month, 5%, 1-year delay
Start now
Total months: 120
Estimated ending balance: ~£15,500
Start after 12 months
Total months: 108
Estimated ending balance: ~£13,900
Estimated difference
~£1,600 gap
Try this in the calculator.
Example 2: £200/month, 3%, 6-month delay
Start now
Horizon: 15 years
Estimated ending balance: ~£42,800
Start after 6 months
Horizon: 15 years
Estimated ending balance: ~£41,100
Estimated difference
~£1,700 gap
Try this in the calculator.
How to test your own situation
- Enter your monthly amount.
- Choose a delay window (6/12/24 months).
- Keep horizon and rate the same for fair comparison.
- Save “Start now” and “Start later.”
- Compare side-by-side.
Open the tool: Cost of Delay Calculator · See more cases: cost of delay examples.
Can I catch up later?
Sometimes people offset a delay by increasing contributions or extending the timeline (illustrative only). See how to catch up after delaying investing.
Common mistakes
- Changing the rate when comparing delays.
- Mixing months and years.
- Forgetting the start date changes the number of payments.
- Treating the assumed return as guaranteed.
FAQ
What happens if I start saving monthly a year later?
You make fewer deposits and each deposit has less time to grow, so the projected balance is lower than starting now (illustrative).
How much does a 6-month delay matter?
It depends on the amount, rate, and horizon. Short delays usually have smaller gaps than long delays; test both in the calculator.
What return assumption should I use?
Use illustrative ranges (low/base/high). Avoid treating any rate as certain.
Does contribution timing (start/end of month) matter?
It can shift totals slightly. The calculator focuses on the delay window; actual dates may vary by provider.
Can I make up for the delay by saving more later?
You can test higher later contributions or longer timelines as an illustration; the tool can show the math.
Do fees, taxes, or inflation matter?
Yes. They can reduce net outcomes. Consider testing a lower “net” assumption if relevant.
Are results guaranteed?
No. They are estimates based on your inputs; real outcomes vary.
How do I compare monthly contributions vs a lump sum?
See invest now vs later and compound interest examples for context.
Final CTA
Run three scenarios: start now, start in 6 months, and start in 12 months. Compare the estimated difference side-by-side.