Scenarios
How to Catch Up After Delaying Investing (Illustrative Scenarios)
Delaying reduces compounding time. This guide shows how adjusting time, contribution, or assumptions can shrink the gap in a model—no promises, just scenarios.
Published: December 22, 2025 · Updated: December 22, 2025 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Compare scenarios in the calculator
Run start-now, start-later, and catch-up variations side-by-side.
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. Nothing here recommends buying, selling, or holding any investment.
Quick answer
Catching up in a model means changing at least one variable: contribute more, extend the timeline, or test different assumptions (not promises). Keep other inputs constant to see the effect clearly.
Goal contribution guideThe three levers
Time
Extending the horizon adds more compounding periods to reduce the gap.
Contribution
Increasing monthly contributions can lift the end balance under the same rate and horizon.
Assumptions
Testing low/base/high rates shows sensitivity; none are promises.
Example 1: Increase monthly amount after a delay
Illustration: aim for a larger balance by raising contributions after a late start.
| Scenario | Delay | Monthly | Time contributing | Estimated end balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start now | 0 years | £100 | 10 years | ~£15,500 (5% illustrative) |
| Start 2 years late + catch-up | 2 years | £135 | 8 years | ~£14,900 (5% illustrative) |
Takeaway: higher contributions can reduce the gap, but results depend on assumptions. Try your own numbers in the calculator.
Example 2: Extend time instead of raising contributions
Illustration: keep monthly the same, extend the timeline after a late start.
| Scenario | Delay | Monthly | Time contributing | Estimated end balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start now | 0 years | £150 | 12 years | ~£28,500 (5% illustrative) |
| Start 1 year late + extend time | 1 year | £150 | 13 years | ~£28,100 (5% illustrative) |
Takeaway: extending the horizon can narrow the gap without raising monthly contributions. Try a variant in the calculator.
How to model catch-up with FinToolSuite
- Run a “start now” scenario.
- Run a “start later” scenario with the delay.
- Adjust monthly contributions upward (or extend time) to see how close you get.
- Save scenarios and compare side-by-side.
Open the tool: Cost of Delay Calculator.
Common mistakes
- Changing the rate while comparing catch-up scenarios.
- Mixing months and years.
- Assuming one “average” return is guaranteed.
- Ignoring fees, taxes, or inflation when thinking about net outcomes.
Next reads
FAQ
Can I catch up if I started investing late?
You can model catch-up scenarios by changing contributions, time, or assumptions. Results depend on inputs and are not guaranteed.
Is contributing more the only way to catch up?
No. You can also extend the timeline or test different assumptions. All are scenarios, not advice.
What if I can’t increase my monthly amount?
You can model a longer horizon to see how that changes the projection.
Does extending the timeline help?
It can. More time adds compounding periods, which may reduce the gap, depending on assumptions.
What return assumption should I use?
Use illustrative ranges (low/base/high) and avoid treating any rate as certain.
Do fees, taxes, or inflation matter?
Yes. They reduce net outcomes. Consider a lower “net” rate if you want to see that effect.
Are results guaranteed?
No. They’re estimates based on your inputs; real outcomes vary.
How do I calculate the monthly amount needed to hit a goal?
See the goal contribution guide for an iterative approach and run your own scenarios in the calculator.
Final CTA
Create three scenarios: start now, start later, and start later with higher monthly contributions. Compare the estimated gap side-by-side.