Starting at 25 vs 35: 10 years make all the difference

Last updated: January 2026

Starting at 25 vs 35: 10 years make all the difference

The compound interest effect over 10 years. Starting early changes everything for your retirement capital.

Side-by-side comparison

Start at 25

39 years of contributions. The snowball effect of compound interest.

Pay-as-you-go pension737 €/m
Funded annuity0 €/m
Final capital0 €
Monthly loss--737 €

Start at 35

Better

29 years of contributions. 10 fewer years lose a lot.

Pay-as-you-go pension922 €/m
Funded annuity281 €/m
Final capital84 348 €
Monthly loss--641 €

The verdict

Start at 35

generates 281 € more with funded system

Difference

96 €/m

Capital gap

84 348 €

Pension gap

185 €/m

What it means

This comparison illustrates the concrete impact of start at 25 vs start at 35 on your retirement. Whether you choose one or the other, the pay-as-you-go system loses you money. The real question is: how much exactly are you losing?

Frequently Asked Questions

Start at 25 or Start at 35: what's the retirement difference?
The pension difference between start at 25 and start at 35 is 185 €/month with pay-as-you-go. With a funded system, the capital gap reaches 84 348 €.
Which scenario is more advantageous?
In terms of potential monthly annuity with a funded system, Start at 35 generates 281 €/month, which is 281 €/month more.
What is the methodology for this comparison?
We use URSSAF 2025 rates, a 6% yield adjusted for inflation, and a 20-year retirement life expectancy. Calculations assume a full career.

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Our methodology

Comparison based on URSSAF 2025 rates, 6% yield (inflation-adjusted), and 20-year retirement life expectancy. Calculations assume a full career and constant salary.

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