Compound Early: Why Time Beats Timing

Compounding means your returns start earning their own returns. The earlier you start, the less money you need to contribute each month to reach the same retirement balance.

Someone investing $300 a month from age 25 can end up ahead of someone investing $600 a month starting at 35. The market's ups and downs matter far less than the years you stay invested.

Max out any employer match first. It is free money. After that, prioritize a Roth or traditional retirement account and increase contributions whenever your income goes up.