I went to lunch with my colleague Bryan on Friday, and we had this discussion on investment outcome.

Bryan did some reflecting and realize how little assurance we can get about our investment returns: You will only know your compounded rate of return earned when you are near the end of your time horizon, looking backward.

I do see signs of a good wealth builder in Bryan. To be good, you need to prioritize your time, and spending enough time reflecting on the investing knowledge you read and distill them, then make use of them. Reflecting on what he has learned is a right step forward.

Bryan’s conclusion, however, is the unfortunate truth that each of us face.

At the start of your time horizon, you need to plan for how much you need to get to where