Building long-term financial security begins with one key habit: starting early. Whether you’re setting up regular investments or seeking trusted financial advice, the sooner you start, the greater the impact. While these strategies benefit your own future, they become even more powerful when passed on to the next generation.

At American Trust Wealth, we’ve seen how early action, combined with consistent discipline, creates lasting advantages for families. Here’s why beginning your financial planning early is not just smart—it’s essential.

Time Is Your Most Powerful Financial Ally

The most valuable resource an investor has is time. Starting to invest early means your money has more time to grow through compound interest—when your earnings generate their own earnings. This compounding effect accelerates wealth building far beyond what even larger late contributions can achieve.

For example, investing $500 monthly from age 25 to 65 (totaling $240,000) could grow to about $1.3 million at a 7% annual return. Waiting until age 35 to invest the same amount monthly (total $180,000) might only grow to around $620,000. That decade delay could cut your retirement savings by more than half, even though the contribution difference is only $60,000.

The Power of Periodic Investing

Regular investing, regardless of market conditions, is one of the best ways to build wealth over time. This approach removes emotional decisions and lets you purchase shares at various price points, lowering overall risk. More importantly, it builds discipline that keeps your financial plan on track, even when life gets busy or unpredictable.

Financial Guidance: A Gift That Lasts

Time and consistency matter, but professional guidance turns intention into a strategic plan. Starting a relationship with a financial advisor early is often overlooked but can have a profound impact.

For young adults, the support of a trusted advisor helps:

• Build budgets aligned with real-life goals
• Manage student loans and understand benefits
• Develop good credit habits early to avoid pitfalls
• Gain confidence investing even modest amounts

An advisor is more than an investment manager—they are educators, mentors, and partners. Early financial literacy and mentorship reduce anxiety and prepare you to make smarter decisions, helping avoid costly mistakes down the road.

Setting the Standard for Future Generations

If you already work with a financial advisor, you’re not just managing your own future—you’re teaching your children valuable lessons by example. Children learn about money through actions as much as words. When they see financial planning as approachable and normal, they are more likely to develop those habits themselves.

Involving children or young adults in age-appropriate financial conversations—through casual talks, budget planning or attending meetings—can:

• Demystify money and investing
• Encourage open discussions about goals and values
• Promote financial independence and responsibility

Introducing them to an advisor early gives them a resource during important life milestones like starting a job, buying a home, or managing emergencies. Instead of starting from scratch, they begin with knowledge and support.

It’s Never Too Early to Begin

The earlier you invest, plan, and learn, the greater your financial results will be. Extending these habits to your children means you’re not just preparing them for success—you’re building a legacy of financial wisdom.

Encourage your family to start early, invest regularly, and seek advice when needed. Financial freedom is not just a dream—it’s a discipline.

At American Trust Wealth, we help families build financial clarity, confidence, and capability—today and for generations to come.

Ready to start the conversation with your family? Contact us today to learn more about our family-focused financial planning sevices.