Hoping for a $1 million retirement? The ideal investment strategy may surprise you

This is how you could retire with a million dollar investment portfolio.

| More on:
man sitting in hammock on beach representing asx shares to buy for retirement

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

While becoming a share market millionaire by retirement may appear to be an unattainable dream, it is actually more achievable than you may think.

And although you might assume that growing your wealth through ASX shares requires extensive knowledge and a lot of time, especially if you’re not well-versed in the stock market, that’s not the case.

That’s because a simple approach to grow your retirement nest egg through shares exists. This means that nearly anyone with some initial capital and time to allow it to grow can become wealthy, potentially even reaching the status of a millionaire.

Here’s how you can accomplish it.

The ideal retirement strategy when investing in ASX shares

Arguably, the ideal retirement strategy when investing in ASX shares, and being successful at it, is simply to be systematic and patient.

Investors that make regular investments in quality ASX shares and let compounding work its magic, have the potential to generate significant wealth.

For example, over the last 30 years, the Australian share market has generated an average return of 9.6% per annum.

And while there is no guarantee that this will be the case over the next 30 years, it is largely in line with historical returns on Wall Street. As a result, it isn’t unreasonable for investors to assume similar returns occur over the next 30 years.

Based on the above, here is approximately what would happen if you invested certain amounts into the share market and earned the market return over different periods:

Growing at 9.6% for: $5,000 invested annually $10,000 invested annually
5 years $33,200 $66,400
10 years $85,700 $171,400
15 years $168,700 $337,400
20 years $300,000 $600,000
25 years $507,600 $1,015,000
30 years $835,800 $1,670,000

All in all, the key is to have a realistic plan and then stick to it over the long run.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Retirement

man and woman discussing superannuation
Retirement

Considering switching your superannuation to cash? Read this first

For most investors, cash is trash in your super fund.

Read more »

man and woman discussing superannuation
Retirement

With inflation near 30-year highs, how long can $1 million last me in retirement?

Is $1 million enough for a comfortable retirement?

Read more »

A mature age woman with a groovy short haircut and glasses, sits at her computer, pen in hand thinking about information she is seeing on the screen.
Retirement

Should you buy these ASX shares for your retirement portfolio?

Brokers have given their verdict on these ASX shares.

Read more »

A couple sit in front of a laptop reading ASX shares news articles and learning about ASX 200 bargain buys
Retirement

Forget ‘saving’ for retirement. I’d buy undervalued ASX shares instead

If you want a comfortable retirement, forget about your term deposits.

Read more »

a mature aged couple dance together in their kitchen while they are preparing food in a joyful scene as the Breville share price rises on the back of a 25% profit surge
Retirement

Buy these ASX shares for a retirement portfolio: analysts

These ASX shares could be top options for retirees right now.

Read more »

Legendary share market investing expert and owner of Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett
Retirement

Build your retirement savings with these 3 awesome Warren Buffett investment tips

Warren Buffett's wisdom is essential reading for all retirees, current and future.

Read more »

Wooden arrow sign stating 'retirement' against backdrop of beach
How to invest

3 ASX dividend shares, 5% yields, and an early retirement plan!

Want to retire early? Then this could be the strategy to take.

Read more »

An older couple hold hands as they bounce happily high in the air.
Retirement

3 steps to becoming a millionaire by age 65 with ASX shares

You'd be surprised what investing $1,000 a month into shares will get you.

Read more »