208-664-8980

1875 N. Lakewood Dr.
Suite 102
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

Retirement Read Time: 3 min

The Cost of Procrastination

Some of us share a common experience. You're driving along when a police cruiser pulls up behind you with its lights flashing. You pull over, the officer gets out, and your heart drops.

“Are you aware the registration on your car has expired?” 

You've experienced one of the costs of procrastination.

Procrastination can cause missed deadlines, missed opportunities, and just plain missing out."

Procrastination is avoiding a task that needs to be done—postponing until tomorrow what could be done today. Procrastinators can sabotage themselves. They often put obstacles in their own path. They may choose paths that hurt their performance.

Though Mark Twain famously quipped, “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow,” we know that procrastination can be detrimental, both in our personal and professional lives. Problems with procrastination in the business world have led to a sizable industry in books, articles, workshops, videos, and other products created to deal with the issue. There are a number of theories about why people procrastinate, but whatever the psychology behind it, procrastination may cost money—particularly when investments and financial decisions are put off.

As the illustration below shows, putting off investing may put off potential returns.

If you have been meaning to get around to addressing some part of your financial future, maybe it's time to develop a strategy. Don't let procrastination keep you from pursuing your financial goals.

Early Bird

Let's look at the case of Cindy and Charlie, who each invest $100,000.

Charlie immediately begins depositing $10,000 a year in an account that earns a 6% rate of return. Then, after 10 years, he stops making deposits.

Cindy waits 10 years before getting started. She then starts to invest $10,000 a year for 10 years into an account that also earns a 6% rate of return.

Cindy and Charlie have both invested the same $100,000. However, Charlie's balance is higher at the end of 20 years because his account has more time for the investment returns to compound.

This is a hypothetical example of mathematical compounding. It’s used for comparison purposes only and is not intended to represent the past or future performance of any investment. Taxes and investment costs were not considered in this example. The results are not a guarantee of performance or specific investment advice. The rate of return on investments will vary over time, particularly for long-term investments. Investments that offer the potential for high returns also carry a high degree of risk. Actual returns will fluctuate. The type of strategies illustrated may not be suitable for everyone.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

Disability Income

Disability Income

This calculator estimates your chances of becoming disabled and your potential need for disability insurance.

Insurance Needs Assessment: Married With Children

Insurance Needs Assessment: Married With Children

When you’re married and have children, insurance needs will be different.

Principles of Preserving Wealth

Principles of Preserving Wealth

How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Five Most Overlooked Tax Deductions

Five overlooked tax deductions to help manage your tax bill.

Prevent a Rift: Money Tips for Newlyweds

Couples may be able to head off many of the problems in a marriage that money can cause.

Choices for Your 401(k) at a Former Employer

Individuals have three basic choices with the 401(k) account they accrued at a previous employer.

View all articles

Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?

This calculator compares the financial impact of leasing versus buying an automobile.

Should I Pay Off Debt or Invest?

This calculator will help determine whether you should invest funds or pay down debt.

Estimate Your RMD

Help determine the required minimum distribution from an IRA or other qualified retirement plan.

View all calculators

5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

Protecting Those Who Matter Most

The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.

Managing Your Lifestyle

Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.

View all presentations

Dog Bites and Homeowners Insurance

Reviewing coverage options is just one thing responsible pet parents can do to help look out for their dogs.

The Latte Lie and Other Myths

Check out this video to begin separating fact from fiction.

Charitable Giving: Smart from the Heart

Do you have causes that you want to support with donations?

View all videos