By Absalom Uushona
“I’ll start when things are better.” It’s what many of us say, when we’re talking about saving, investing, or making a big financial decision. The problem is, “better” doesn’t always come. There’s always something else to buy, some other emergency, some other reason to wait. But while we’re waiting for the perfect time, time just keeps on going, and that waiting can cost more than we think.
Life’s financial demands don’t pause while we plan our next move. Rent remains due, tuition continues to rise, and inflation steadily erodes purchasing power. Meanwhile, aspirations whether it’s homeownership, launching a business, or building a retirement fund, can drift further out of reach. While delaying investment decisions may seem prudent, the reality is that postponement often carries a hidden cost. In many cases, the longer one waits, the more expensive the journey becomes.
Think of saving like planting a tree. The earlier you plant, the more quickly it shades. The longer you wait, the more you go without its protection. Even starting small, the initial efforts accumulate. A N$200 a month savings started at 25 can be something substantial by the time you reach 40, but start the same savings at 35, and the ultimate total may be half as great. That’s what time will do. You do not have to be wealthy to enjoy it, you just have to start.
Waiting also costs us real opportunities. Maybe it’s a bursary you didn’t apply for because you weren’t “ready.” Maybe it’s a house you didn’t view because you didn’t think you’d qualify. Or maybe you always put off opening a savings account, saying you’ll do it when your income is better. But while we wait, life doesn’t wait. Prices go up. Commitments go up. And what felt like a small delay becomes a much greater cost to pay.
In Namibia, where many people carry the weight of family support and community expectations, financial decisions are even harder. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially when you’re dealing with “black tax,” limited income, or debt. But putting things off rarely makes them easier. The courage to act now, even in a small way, is a powerful gift to your future self.
You don’t need to master every financial concept before taking action. Progress begins with a single step, opening an investment account, joining a community financial group, consulting an adviser, or simply outlining your goals. Each small move contributes to building momentum, and in the world of investing, momentum is often the catalyst for meaningful change.
You encounter many people who say, “I wish I had started earlier.” Not because they had more money then, but because they had more time. You can’t reclaim time. But you can decide what you do with it from now.
So, if you’ve been waiting for the right moment, let this be your reminder: the right moment is now. Not because everything is sorted out, but because you deserve a future that isn’t always playing catch-up. Start now and give your future self something to smile about.
Absalom Uushona is Business Development Consultant, Old Mutual Investment Group, Old Mutual Namibia