The benefits of investing early

As a young person starting your career or still figuring out your finances, the idea of investing may be daunting. Putting your hard-earned money into something that could be risky can be intimidating. However, starting to invest early is one of the most powerful financial decisions you can make for your future. Here is why:

1. Beat inflation

Inflation erodes the purchasing power of your money when prices increase over time. For example, with a 3% annual inflation, an item that costs in the following year. If your money is sitting in a low-interest savings account, you are essentially losing purchasing power every year.

Investing is an effective way to combat inflation. Over time, investments in assets such as stocks, bonds, and real estate typically yield returns that outpace inflation. While stocks can be volatile, the average annual returns of global stocks ranged from 7% to 10%¹ over the past three decades, surpassing average inflation in Singapore. By investing, you give your money the potential to grow faster than inflation, helping maintain or even increase your purchasing power over time.

*Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Historical returns, expected returns, or probability projections may not reflect future performance. All investments involve risk and may result in significant losses.

2. Build financial discipline

Investing is not just about growing your money, it also helps you to develop strong financial habits. When you commit to regular investments, you are committing to paying yourself first. This practice fosters financial discipline, teaching you to prioritise your future over immediate gratification.

Developing the habit of regularly setting aside money for investments can spill over into other areas of your financial life as well. It encourages you to budget more effectively, avoid unnecessary debt and live within your means. Over time, these habits can lead to a more secure and stress-free financial life.

3. Achieve financial independence

Investing is a key step towards achieving financial independence. By investing, you are working towards making your money work for you, rather than working for money all your life. This can eventually lead to financial independence, where you have enough assets to cover your living expenses without relying solely on a paycheck.

Financial independence gives you the freedom to pursue your passions, travel, or even retire early. When you start investing early, you are giving yourself a head start on this journey, allowing you to reach your financial goals sooner and with less stress.

4. Capitalise on the power of compounding

One of the biggest advantages of investing early is the magic of compounding. Compounding means that the returns on your investments generate their own returns over time. The earlier you start, the more time your money can grow exponentially.

For example, if you start investing SGD200 a month at 20 years old, by the time you are 60, you could have significantly more money invested compared to someone who started investing in their 30s. The impact of compounding grows over time, so the earlier your start, the higher the chance of a better result.

Remember that every investment comes with risk, so evaluate risks before potential returns before you start. Also ensure that the monthly investment amount is within your budget and one that you can afford comfortably.

This does not mean that it is too late to start investing in mid-life. The earlier you start investing, the longer your investment horizon, which enables you to better withstand market ups and downs through the years. Getting started now is still better than not doing anything at all. Most importantly, ensure that you invest within your budget and risk appetite.

*All investments involve risk and may result in significant losses.
This chart is for illustration and may not represent actual investment returns.

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