Consider the savings habits of this 20-year-old couple.

The wife starts putting $2,000 per year into a tax-deferred investment when she is 20. After 10 years, she decides to stop investing and just let her money grow until she retires.

The husband decides to start investing when his wife stops. He invests $2,000 a year in a tax-deferred investment from the time he is 30 until he retires at age 65.

If they both earn 8 percent on their savings who will have more money at age 65?

Time and compound interest favor the wife. She will have $462,648 at age 65, while her husband will only have $372,204.

Use time to your advantage. Start saving early.

These results are hypothetical and do not represent any particular investment. Taxes and fees are not included in this illustration.

Marc P. Tomberg is branch manager at Raymond James Financial Services. His office is located in Ryanwood Square at 2140 58th Ave, Vero Beach. He may be reached by phone at (772) 778-4399.