How you can still build $1 million starting late at 45 with the ATO 'chipping in'

They look at the mortgage that's still going and the investing they always meant to start, and they assume they've missed the boat. The feeling of being behind is real, and it stops a lot of people from ever starting. And just to emphasise the point around what waiting costs, the same $1,500 a month invested, starting from age 50 instead of 45 only grows to around $563,000 by 65. For her, the door was open at 45, but it was closing and quickly. The smarter path, and the one Michelle took, makes the tax system do part of the heavy lifting.