Cost of Waiting Calculator
Cost of Waiting
Still researching the perfect ETF? Every month you wait has a real cost — and it's usually bigger than the difference between two good funds.
Plug in your planned monthly contribution and see what 1, 3, 6, or 12 months of procrastination costs over a 30-year horizon. I built this after realizing I'd spent more time comparing VEQT and XEQT than the MER gap would ever matter. Spoiler: starting now beats picking perfectly.
Waiting 6 months costs you $24.0K on a 30-year horizon
$614K
Start now
$590K
Wait 6 mo
Final value by start date
Comparison of portfolio value when starting now versus delaying. Now: $614K; 1mo: $609K; 3mo: $601K; 6mo: $590K; 12mo: $566K; 2yr: $522K; 5yr: $407K; 10yr: $262K
| Scenario | Final value | Cost of waiting | % of portfolio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start now | $614K | — | — |
| Wait 1 month | $609K | $4,058 | 0.7% |
| Wait 3 months | $601K | $12.1K | 2.0% |
| Wait 6 months | $590K | $24.0K | 3.9% |
| Wait 1 year | $566K | $47.2K | 7.7% |
| Wait 2 years | $522K | $91.2K | 14.9% |
| Wait 5 years | $407K | $206K | 33.6% |
| Wait 10 years | $262K | $352K | 57.3% |
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These calculators use hypothetical assumptions for illustration only — not a guarantee of future performance or personalized financial advice. Consult a qualified professional before making investment or tax decisions.