New year, new financial goals — but when it comes to retirement, timing matters more than most people realise. On this episode of Smart Money, host Alicia Seckam speaks to Craig Sher, Chief Product and Investment Officer at Discovery Invest, about why starting early is the single most powerful decision you can make for your financial future. From the impact of compound growth to the steep cost of delaying contributions, Craig breaks down what early action really buys you — and what procrastination can quietly destroy. The conversation also explores South Africa’s retirement tax incentives, the most common (and costly) mistakes investors make, and the growing risk of outliving your savings as life expectancy increases. Craig explains how modern retirement solutions are evolving to balance flexibility with long-term income security, and what practical steps South Africans can take — whether they’re just starting out or playing catch-up — to build a retirement that actually lasts.