New Delhi, Oct. 22 -- Every young professional hears the same financial advice: start investing early, stay invested for 20 or 30 years, and let compounding do the magic. But it also asks a 23-year-old to make a commitment that many experienced investors themselves struggle to sustain.

The problem isn't compounding. It's commitment.

Gen Z doesn't necessarily dislike investing. What they may struggle with is making financial commitments that stretch across three decades. Retirement feels too distant to compete with the priorities of starting a career and becoming financially independent.

That's the thinking behind what I call the First Seven Framework-a behavioural approach to retirement planning that focuses on making long-term investi...