Money invested at age 32 has roughly 33 years to compound to retirement. Same money at 52 has only 13 years. The decade-by-decade math is unforgiving — early aggressive saving outperforms catch-up saving dramatically.
Specific numbers
£500/month from 30-65 at 6% real return: £700,000 at retirement. Same £500/month from 50-65: £140,000. The 20 extra years matter enormously.
What this means
In your 30s, prioritise pension and ISA contributions even if it pinches lifestyle. The cost is current; the benefit is decades of compounding. Most 50-something pensioners regret not saving more in their 30s; few regret saving 'too much'.