Investing amount varies significantly by retirement timeline

To retire with at least $1 million, the amount you need to invest today varies based on your retirement timeline. For example, if you have 10 years until retirement, you would need to invest about $422,411, while with 35 years, you would need less than $50,000. Investing in a low-cost ETF, like the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, can help achieve this goal. The S&P 500 has historically grown at an average rate of 9% per year, making it a suitable option for long-term growth. Starting to invest later in life can still yield positive results. Even if you need to invest more to reach your target, consistent contributions can help grow your portfolio over time.