Not rich by 40? CA explains how it’s still not too late to invest your money

Many people worry they’ve missed their “wealth window” if they haven’t started investing young, especially by the time they hit 40 or 50. CA Nitin Kaushik recently addressed this common fear on X, explaining that it’s never too late to begin building wealth. According to him, the real mistake is waiting for the perfect market moment or trying to chase the next multibagger. True wealth comes from steady, disciplined investing, compounded over time.

Kaushik breaks it down with real numbers: someone earning Rs 10–15 lakh per year who invests Rs 10,000 monthly in diversified equity funds at a modest 10% annual return could see that grow to around Rs 75–80 lakh in 20 years. Increase contributions to Rs 20,000 a month with returns averaging 11–12%, and the total could reach Rs 1.7–2 crore.

Markets will fluctuate

Markets will fluctuate, with corrections, crashes, and panic headlines along the way. But these aren’t failures—they’re part of the system. Kaushik emphasises that money grows for the disciplined, not the impatient. Those who wait for “clarity” often remain stuck, while people who start small, stay consistent, and adjust as life changes steadily accumulate wealth.



Life isn’t static. Income, priorities, and circumstances will change, but starting now is enough. The biggest myth is that you’ve missed your chance. If you’re earning today, you’re already inside the wealth window. All it takes is a simple plan, discipline, and the confidence to act. But is it enough to plan your retirement?

How much to save for retirement?

CA Nitin Kaushik, in a separate post, warned that even a lump sum like Rs 3.5 crore won’t guarantee comfort in retirement. Inflation erodes the value of money over time, and what seems like a fortune today could shrink to just Rs 35–40 lakh in today’s terms by 2055—barely enough for a decade, let alone 30 years. He stressed that relying on a single payout later is risky, as markets, lifestyle, and inflation all work against you silently.


The key, he explained, is to start early, stay consistent, and increase contributions gradually. Simple strategies like SIP step-ups, even 1–2% per year, can compound massively over decades. Realistic planning, discipline, and focusing on the lifestyle you truly want matter far more than income alone.