Compounding means your returns start earning returns. Over five years it is barely noticeable; over thirty it dominates every other factor including how much you originally put in.
Rate matters less than years
Twenty years at a modest rate usually beats ten years at double the rate. Starting early is the only lever most people fully control.
Fees compound too
A one per cent annual fee quietly removes a large share of a lifetime return. Compare total cost, not headline performance.
