I am 32 now, if i start investing 1k every month until say 10 years later, am i able to compete/keep up with those who have saved 100/200 when they started at 21 or am i too late already?

There's absolutely no need to pressure yourself in this manner. Whether are you able to keep up is depends on the performance of the capital invested rather than just putting in more capital.

Just a quick calculation, assuming same investment vehicle and had consistent return;

Age 22, invest $2400 per year for 20 years, CAGR at 6%;

Total Capital = $48,000

FV = $93,582

Return of Invested Capital ($) = $45,582

Return of Invested Capital (%) = ~95%

Age 32, invest $12,000 per year for 10 years CAGR at 6%;

Capital = $120,000

FV = $167,659

Return of Invested Capital ($) = $47,659

Return of Invested Capital (%) = ~40%

Therefore, at a end frame of age 42, you might compete and keep up in terms of absolute amount of dollars since your capital is more, but lose in terms of return % because this is how compounding very early put someone in an very advantageous position on the return %.

Nonetheless, it's better being late than never. Start now and progress accordingly. Don't have to compete with anyone cause we might all have different risk appetite, commitment in life, and etc. Do everything for yourself and you will get there too.​​​

Hi Xian,

I think Aidan and Yang have made some great points here - it is never too late to start investing, and the important thing is that you're taking the first step now. With an average life expectancy of 85-90 years old, you still have an extremely long investment horizon! Your biggest asset is time in the market, and you should start creating a holistic plan to start investing meaningfully and consistently moving forwards, so that you can maximize your probability of success in reaching your goals.