Should you spend your money now or save it for the future? That’s the dilemma many people face each day. For many people spending is easy but saving is difficult. Not because they can’t afford to save - they simply prefer to spend their money. But before you spend you last nickel, consider the following modest savings program.

Start by saving $100 each month. At the end of the year invest the $1,200. Assuming that you receive a five percent return on your investment (high-quality stocks or bonds), after 50 years your savings will have grown to $251,217.59. The same savings schedule executed for 65 years yields $548,157.61.

Consider starting this savings program for your children. With most of their life ahead of them, there is enough time to build a comfortable nest egg with little effort.

For sound investing ideas see buyupside.com, a free site for beginning and experienced investors.