Starting investing at 50: how much per month?

At 50, time is tighter — but focused contributions and a realistic plan can still get you closer to your goals.

Estimate your monthly catch-up amount

Start with a range, not a single number

Instead of guessing one perfect return rate, test a conservative and an optimistic scenario. That gives you a planning range.

Try these three scenarios

  1. Conservative: lower returns + earlier retirement (worst case)
  2. Middle: realistic returns + standard retirement age
  3. Optimistic: higher returns + later retirement (best case)

Three high-impact moves

FAQ

Is 50 too late?

Not necessarily. You still have time for growth, but the plan must be realistic and consistent.

What if I can’t invest the required monthly amount?

Adjust the target, extend the timeline, or consider partial retirement. Re-run with different retirement ages.

How do I decide my target amount?

Use /retire.html to estimate a nest egg for an annual income goal.

Should I use a higher return to make it work?

Be careful. Using overly optimistic returns can create a false sense of security. Try a conservative rate first.

Where can I learn the compound interest basics?

See /how-compound-interest-works.html for the formula and explanation.

Related links

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