Motley Fool says starting to invest at 45 or 65 can still build retirement savings. Its illustration assumes 8% annual growth and estimates that investing $7,000 a year could grow to $109,518 in 10 years; actual market returns vary.
The 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey cited in the article found that 51% of workers had less than $100,000 in savings and investments, excluding a primary home; 32% had less than $25,000. The article's model estimates that investing $15,000 annually would total $234,682 after 10 years at 8% growth.
The author says future market returns cannot be known: the S&P 500's average annual return over long periods has been close to 10%, but a particular investing period could average 6% or 12%. The article cautions against investing money needed within five to 10 years, notes retirees may keep some funds invested for decades, and names delaying retirement by a few years as one way to improve finances.
