When to start investing: why the best time is usually now

If you’ve been asking yourself, “should I start investing now?”, you’re in good company. It’s one of the most common financial questions, and one of the most paralyzing.

You might be waiting for the markets to calm down. Or for a raise. Or even for that mythical “perfect moment” to move ahead. The perfect time rarely announces itself. As you bide your time, your money sits still, but inflation doesn’t.

The truth is simple, when to start investing is less about timing the market and more about time in the market. The earlier you begin, the more time your money has to grow through compounding and over time, as one of the most reliable ways to build wealth.

Starting with a small amount can also result in a meaningful difference. What matters most is creating the habit, not hitting a target. With platforms like Mintos, getting started is more streamlined than ever. 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to move from hesitant to confident:

Why starting investing early beats waiting for a bigger budget
How to know if now is a good time to invest
What to check off before you begin, like goals, debt, and your emergency fund
Ways to start small, including investing with little money
How to avoid common mistakes and take your first steps as a beginner investor

>  Check out this guide for investing for beginners

Why starting early beats trying to time