Chapter 11
Choose an Amount
Choosing how much to invest each month is just as important as choosing what to invest in.
The goal is not to invest as much as possible. The goal is to invest an amount you can keep up every month, for a very long time.
This is a marathon, not a sprint
Investing works best when it's boring and automatic.
Life isn't predictable. Bills go up. Jobs change. Unexpected expenses happen. If your investment amount is too high, you'll eventually be forced to stop — or worse, sell.
Your monthly amount should feel comfortable, not impressive.
A simple test
If you're unsure whether you can keep investing this amount for the next 5–10 years, it's too high.
It's much better to invest €150 every month for 20 years than €500 for one year and then stop.
Consistency beats intensity. Every time.
You can always increase later
Starting small doesn't mean staying small.
As your income grows or expenses drop, you can always increase your monthly amount. The important part is building the habit first.
A habit that lasts beats a plan that looks good on paper.
Key takeaway
Pick an amount you can invest every month, even when life gets expensive or money feels tight. The people who build wealth aren't the ones who start big. They're the ones who never stop.