Did you know that every dollar you spend today has a future opportunity cost? Let’s talk about the one concept that shifted my mindset when it comes to money. Imagine you have one dollar. If you spend it now, it’s gone. But if you save or invest it, that dollar can multiply.
Real-world Practical Example
Let’s say you are 18 years old, and you just stumbled upon $100. You could take that hundred dollars and spend it on a fancy dinner, or you could invest that $100 until retirement in a stock market fund with a historical average of 10% return. That $100 would turn into $8,800 by retirement! That’s an 88 times return on your money.
Time is Your Greatest Asset When Investing
Time is your greatest asset when investing because the earlier you start, the more your money can grow through compound interest. When you invest, your money earns interest, and over time, that interest earns more interest. This cycle keeps growing the longer you keep your money invested. For example, if you invest $1,000 at 7% interest, it could grow to over $7,000 in 30 years. But if you wait 10 years to start, that same $1,000 will only grow to about $3,800. The sooner you invest, the more time your money has to grow. Start now, and let time work in your favor!
Get Ahead of 99%
Our Free Resource to Help You Make Better Decisions
We created a tool that allows you to calculate how much money is worth to you at any age. We also can help you calculate how many hours it takes to achieve that desired amount. This is a great resource to bookmark and review before your next big purchase.
Wrap up
Next time you think about buying something, ask yourself, “How much money will this cost me in the future?” This small mindset shift can significantly increase your wealth. It can enable you to save more for big goals like buying a house or retiring early. Start thinking long-term, and you’ll see how much your money can multiply!