How to retire early using ASX shares

Retiring early is a dream most people share. However, I believe that with a little smart saving and investing early, it can become a reality.

| More on:

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

Early retirement is a goal or dream I'm sure most people share. However I believe that with a little smart saving and investing early, over time this dream can become a reality.

To see how, we will start by looking at a persons total economic wealth, showing how they can move into the retirement phase from the accumulation phase more quickly.

Total economic wealth

At any time in a person's life, total economic wealth is represented as the sum of their financial capital and human capital.

What is financial capital?

Financial capital is basically the sum of all your assets minus your debts.To calculate your financial capital, add up all your savings, share portfolio, superannuation, properties etc, and subtract any debts such as mortgages or student loans you may have.

Obviously financial capital is lower for most people when they are younger as they have not yet had the time to grow their wealth. However, this is where people who are more responsible with their money can see it grow much faster as the effects of compounding take hold. This will help push them closer to their retirement phase.

What is human capital?

Human capital can be thought of as the present value of a person's expected income from employment throughout their entire life. As you enter the workforce, your human capital is at a maximum since you have the greatest number of years left to work until retirement. Hence as you age and work, your human capital decreases.

So what does this mean?

Roughly speaking, human capital and financial capital are inverse to each other. This can be seen through the chart below.

Chart by author

As a working person ages, their human capital begins to reduce as part of their future earnings are realised. A portion of this income will be saved and often used to pay down a mortgage. In addition, their superannuation will increase as it is paid by their employer. All of these items will increase their financial capital. This continues through the accumulation phase until enough financial capital has been raised to support them through retirement. 

So it appears that the solution to being able to retire early is by growing your financial capital as quickly as possible. This doesn't mean through risky investments, but instead by starting early and investing regularly. Which is where I believe ASX shares should come into the picture.

How to grow your financial capital

ASX shares have been a phenomenal tool for people to grow their financial capital. This is something I don't believe will change any time soon. In fact, looking into the majority of  superannuation funds, you will see large allocations to shares – both Australian and international.

Your superannuation in designed to support you during retirement, while our goal is to bring retirement forward. This means investing outside of your superannuation, regularly.

Growing a large portfolio to replace your income prior to retirement may sound daunting. However, one of my fellow writers has shown here that by investing just $1,000 a month you can achieve a share portfolio of $1,000,000 in less than 24 years. Breaking it down into monthly goals is a great way to make the process more achievable.

Of course the sooner you start the better, and I believe now is a great time when you're focusing on 10, 20 or 30 years down the road.

I would consider investments today in shares like Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL)Vanguard FTSE Asia ex Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE) and BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ).

Motley Fool contributor Michael Tonon owns shares of Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended BETANASDAQ ETF UNITS and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company 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 ⏸️ Investing

A white and black robot in the form of a human being stands in front of a green graphic holding a laptop and discussing robotics and automation ASX shares
Technology Shares

Joining the revolution: How I'd invest in ASX AI shares right now

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) could usher in a new industrial revolution. Here’s how you can invest in it.

Read more »

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »