If setting aside a few dollars per month can add up to hundreds of dollars at the end of the year, what can a small amount do over the long term?

As they say, time is money - and investing small amounts over time can lead to big results. That's why it's important for people to start thinking about retirement and other big-picture goals now rather than later, said Mauch Chunk Trust Company CEO Patrick Reilly."You want to make time a friend, not an enemy," said Reilly. "Even small amounts, done regularly, can make a big difference."Are you ready to invest?While no one can really afford to wait to start saving for the future, Reilly is quick to point out the difference between savings and investing. Savings in a bank or low-risk account can be used for emergencies such as a car repair or medical expenses. Investments are funds that are placed in a more at-risk account, such as the stock market, in the hopes of earning a higher return over time for longer-term goals."In a perfect world, every person would have a nest egg in the bank. I think you should have something like that before you start investing," he said.He noted that for young people considering investments, it's also important to look for "easy" money like a 401(k) match by an employer, or a paycheck deduction that goes directly to a retirement account."When you have an opportunity to do something easy, you should do so," said Reilly. "Always pay yourself first."Slow and steadyAs are most things in life, an investment can be simple, easy, or potentially fast. If an investment promises to be all three, it's likely too good to be true.Winning the Powerball might be a fast way to make money, but it's not simple or easy, Reilly pointed out. Setting aside a small amount of money each month, however, can be fairly simple and easy. While it's not a fast way to get rich, it's likely to be the most reliable way to build wealth.One name for this investment style is dollar-cost averaging, which means that the investor ignores whether the stock market is up or down and commits the same dollar amount each month, quarter or other set time period.This might mean contributing $50 a month, or $500 a month - the amount doesn't matter so much as building the habit of saving on a regular basis.Before choosing an investment or investing company, be sure to take a close look at fees and charges. Some companies require a minimum amount invested; others waive minimum amounts if you commit to a regular investment amount, sometimes as low as $50 per month.Most local banks' wealth management teams and other financial planners offer basic advice when it comes to making smart investments, but it's still important to educate yourself so that you can understand this information.Reilly noted that if you're thinking retirement is a long way away, or that investments and savings aren't important (or possible) at this stage of your life, proceed with caution."Folks don't always have the luxury, or they don't give themselves the luxury, of thinking long-term," he said."Suddenly people find themselves 10 years away from retirement, and they're desperate. Desperate is not the place you want to be when you're trying to make sound financial decisions."