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The S&P 500 has averaged ~10% annually since 1926 (~7% after inflation). Bonds average 2–5%. Real estate varies widely. For retirement planning, 6–8% is a conservative assumption for diversified stock portfolios.

Inflation erodes purchasing power. A 10% nominal return with 3% inflation gives a real return of ~6.8%. Always consider real returns for long-term planning — $1M in 30 years is worth far less than $1M today.

DCA means investing a fixed amount at regular intervals (e.g., $500/month) regardless of market price. This reduces the impact of volatility — you buy more shares when prices are low and fewer when high, averaging out your cost basis.

Financial advisors recommend investing 15% of gross income for retirement. If you cannot reach 15% immediately, start with whatever you can (even $50/month) and increase by 1% each year.

As soon as possible. Thanks to compounding, $10,000 invested at age 25 grows to ~$217,000 by age 65 at 8% annual returns. The same $10,000 invested at 45 only grows to ~$46,600. Every year of delay costs significantly.