British adults have reported that 28 is the age to begin building long-term financial provisions, Bright Grey has said.
According to the provider's Financial Safety Net report, those aged 35 and over said 28 was the age to begin making financial provisions.
But it also showed 4% of respondents only realised the need at age 50 or above.
One in 20 said they did not need to plan financially for the long term at all.
Roger Edwards, managing director at Bright Grey, said: "28 is around the age that for many, they may take key lifestyle choices such as buying a first property, getting married or having a child.
"With these changes can come responsibility, and this means waking up to the very real need to have finances in order. Unfortunately the dream of getting very rich in later life happens to precious few, and for the rest of us, maintaining a healthy financial lifestyle is critical."
The study of over-35s estimated 46% had achieved the general dream that they had when aged 20.
One in four in the age bracket said they would never fulfill their age-20 dream.
