“I will figure it out later” can cost young professionals

Johannesburg - For many young people entering the workforce, those first pay cheques bring a sense of freedom. Between managing immediate expenses, paying off debt, and navigating a rising cost of living, long-term financial planning is often easy to postpone. It’s tempting to believe that it can wait until earnings grow or life milestones, like buying a home or starting a family, becomes a reality.

But, delaying comes at a cost. Every year missed is an opportunity missed to take a step closer to long term financial security. It is one of the most expensive mistakes young earners - anyone for that matter - can make.  Acting now, even by starting small, allows a person to take control of their financial future rather than leaving it to fate and wishful thinking.

"The biggest mistake is waiting too long to start planning for your financial future," says Sharon Hamman, Senior Legal Adviser at Momentum. "Financial confidence is not built by having it all figured out from the start. What matters is starting as early as possible and staying committed and consistent over time. Delaying financial action comes at a cost - not just in money, but the loss of growth, of compounded investment returns and time itself - none of which can be regained once lost.”

Financial procrastination can cost you

The reluctance of younger generations to engage with structured financial planning stems from a mix of lifestyle inflation, too many financial choices, the belief that there is plenty of time and the perception that financial advice is only for the wealthy. When income increases, expenses often follow, leaving little room for intentional saving. Coupled with the immediate pressures of increased responsibilities, debt management and short-term lifestyle desires, long-term planning is continually pushed to the bottom of the priority list.

The long-term consequences of this delay can be significant. Financial procrastination manifests as missed investment growth, ongoing debt cycles, and delayed retirement planning. The true cost of starting late is best understood through compound growth, which is the process where earnings on an investment generate their own earnings over time.

"When you start investing in your twenties, time does the heavy lifting for you," Hamman explains. "An individual who saves even a small amount early in their working life can accumulate a significantly larger financial nest egg than someone who saves double the amount but starts a decade later. While insurance and savings tools help absorb part of the financial impact of life's disruptions, starting late can place an unnecessary and heavy financial burden on a household's future."

A simple example can highlight the impact of time. Assume a 25-year-old saves R500 per month until the age of 60 at a rate of return of 10% per annum - the value will be R1 898 319.  For a 45-year-old to have the same amount at 60, they will have to save R2 500 per month - five times more than the 25-year-old.  This clearly highlights the ‘cost’ of delayed planning and action.

Navigating early hurdles

Younger earners face a very particular set of structural financial challenges that can make the first step seem intimidating. High levels of debt, fluctuating living costs, the constant push and pull between wants and needs, and the uncertainty about where to begin often lead to choice paralysis. Without a clear framework, many choose to do nothing at all.

To overcome this, the focus must shift towards proactive financial behaviour. Meaningful progress begins with small, disciplined steps. Navigating these early hurdles requires balancing immediate obligations with long-term security, a task that is far easier with the right guidance.

Reframing the role of the financial adviser

A key barrier to early engagement is the persistent myth that financial advisers only cater to high-net-worth individuals or those nearing retirement.

In reality, early guidance is precisely what helps young professionals build healthy financial habits, manage debt effectively, and make informed decisions with confidence. Rather than seeing a financial adviser as someone who only manages existing wealth, younger individuals benefit from viewing them as navigation partner, guiding the way to financial independence and freedom.

"An adviser's role is not just about selecting the right financial solution; it’s about guiding behaviour, instilling discipline, and building a strong foundation from the start of your earning journey. An adviser acts as an accountability partner who helps you stay consistent, keeps you focused, and navigates uncertainty with a structured plan," says Hamman.

By engaging with professional financial advice early, young professionals can reframe their relationship with money, moving away from avoidance to ownership.

“Young professionals must keep in mind that financial security is not an overnight achievement, but a long-term outcome shaped by habits formed today,” concludes Hamman.