How to double your money with ASX shares

ASX shares could be the best way to double your money thanks to the power of compound interest.

a woman

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

Having cash in the bank isn't going to help you get rich with Australia's official interest rate now under 1% and most bank accounts offering interest rates under 2%. I think the only option is ASX shares.

If you left $1,000 in a bank account and it earned 2% a year forever it would take 35 years to double to $2,000.

That's no good for building wealth.

I can tell you that the Australian share market, being ASX shares, has delivered an average return per annum of around 10% over the decades. Those returns don't even include the excellent franking credits which ensures Australian investors aren't doubled taxed.

If your $1,000 grows at 10% per annum it will double in less than eight years.

To achieve that 10% return you don't need to pick shares yourself necessarily. Just being invested in a broad, diversified ASX exchange-traded fund (ETF) like BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200) and Vanguard Australian Share ETF (ASX: VAS) means you will essentially get the average Australian share market return. You could also go with a high-performing fund manager like WAM Microcap Limited (ASX: WMI). 

There have been lots of shares that have delivered much better returns than 10% per annum over the past five years. For example, the CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price is up 222%, Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) is up 984%, REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) is up 150%, Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME) is up 2,010% and Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) is up 449%.

Your money can double or more in a relatively short period of time if you choose the right growth shares.

I think one of the shares most likely to deliver excellent returns over the next few years is Pushpay Holdings Ltd (ASX: PPH) because of its growing profit margins, expanding client base and new church management system acquisition for synergies.

Tristan Harrison owns shares of Altium and WAM MICRO FPO. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Pro Medicus Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of CSL Ltd. and PUSHPAY FPO NZX. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Altium and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus Ltd., PUSHPAY FPO NZX, and REA Group Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Personal Finance

three businessmen high five each other outside an office building with graphic images of graphs and metrics superimposed on the shot.
Personal Finance

3 personal finance tips to help anyone grow richer

Our portfolios can do better with the right financial foundations.

Read more »

Businesswoman whispering in male colleague's ear as he looks surprised
Investing Strategies

5 secrets of ASX millionaires

Wealthy people come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but they all have some common habits that we could…

Read more »

Three generations of male family members enjoy the company as they plan future financial goals together on a trek outdoors.
Personal Finance

Is 60 too old to start buying ASX shares?

It's never too late to benefit from the wonders of the share market.

Read more »

Woman and man calculating a dividend yield.
Personal Finance

Becoming a millionaire: Why savings accounts aren't the answer

Even high-interest savings accounts can't compete with the returns of ASX shares.

Read more »

Tiger staring with a black background.
How to invest

How to make 7% interest while deciding which ASX shares to buy

Also receive Tesla stock for your trouble of just sitting around.

Read more »

Two people comparing and analysing material.
Personal Finance

How does investing in a term deposit compare with buying ASX shares?

Term deposits look attractive for income, but do they beat ASX shares?

Read more »

Woman with headphones on relaxing and looking at her phone happily.
Personal Finance

How quickly could I build a $30k annual passive income with ASX shares?

The stock market can deliver great yields.

Read more »

Woman smiling with her hands behind her back on her couch, symbolising passive income.
Personal Finance

5 ways to get richer in 2024 without a pay rise

You don't need a pay rise to build your wealth in 2024.

Read more »