The Wild Math Behind Investing Early To Grow Wealth — Even With Just $100
When you think of investing to grow wealth, you probably imagine moving huge sums of money around like some Wall Street whiz kid. So, you might assume investing isn’t for you. After all, the most you’d have to invest is about $100. Here’s the good news: That’s all you need to get started — and build real wealth.
It may sound too good to be true, but the math backs it up. Thanks to the magic of compounding, even a small amount of money can grow significantly over time. To explain how it works, MoneyLion spoke with Roland Chow, a financial planner and portfolio manager at Optura Advisors.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Seed
Chow compares a $100 investment to a seed that can grow into a personal money tree. Many people “underestimate the power of a seed,” he says — they don’t realize that even a small investment can grow into a substantial sum over time.
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“No one would ever say that a large oak tree is ‘only’ a plant. That seed contains the same oak tree, given the right conditions of water, sunlight, and space to grow,” he said. “Saving $100 per month and compounding at 6% per year grows to $16,470 after 10 years. After 20 years, it reaches $46,200. After 30 years, it grows to $100,500.”
He adds that this growth isn’t linear, quoting Albert Einstein on compound interest: “He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn’t, pays it.”
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Delaying Can Cost You
Waiting too long to invest because you think you need Scrooge McDuck–level wealth, Chow says, delays your ability to grow your money. Essentially, you’re putting the equation on hold.
“When someone contributes $100 per month for 30 years but delays starting by five years, the final amount drops to $69,400,” he said. “If they wait 10 years before investing, it only grows to $46,200. Delaying can make a dramatic difference.”
Small, Early Investments Matter More Than Larger Investments Down the Line
Chow notes that contributing $100 a month for 30 years at a 6% annualized rate results in $100,500. But if you wait 15 years and then invest $300 a month — still at 6% — the final amount would be only $87,300.
You don’t have to be a math genius to see that’s less than $100,500.
“This shows that compounding really accelerates the longer funds sit and grow,” he said. “Cutting the time in half but tripling the investment still doesn’t match a smaller amount over a longer period.”
The Bottom Line
The math is clear — and a little wild. The earlier you start investing, even with just $100, the more money you’ll make over time. And those numbers after the dollar sign aren’t too shabby.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice.
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