How to become a multi-millionaire with ASX shares

Here's how anyone could potentially build a very large investment portfolio.

| More on:
Person holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.

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

History has shown that investing in ASX shares is a great way to create substantial wealth.

However, unless you get incredibly lucky buying a microcap that rockets to mid-cap or large-cap status, your journey will take time.

But don't let that stop you from taking the first step. After all, your future self will undoubtedly be very thankful if you do.

Is it possible to become a multi-millionaire with ASX shares?

Over the years, the Australian share market has proven to be a fertile ground for investors seeking to build their wealth.

Over the last 30 years, ASX shares have generated an average annual return of approximately 10%.

While we cannot guarantee that this will be the case over the next three decades, we're going to assume that it does for the purpose of this article.

Based on this return and the magical power of compounding, it would be possible to build a multi-million dollar investment portfolio.

For example, if you were in a position to invest $12,000 per year (the equivalent of $1,000 per month) into ASX shares, your portfolio would grow to be worth approximately $2.2 million after 30 years.

And if you kept going for another five years, compounding would go into overdrive and take your portfolio to approximately $3.6 million, ceteris paribus.

This then gives you a few options. You could keep going to build further wealth, you could withdraw your funds, or you could turn your focus to income.

In respect to the latter, if you transformed your portfolio to an income focus with an average 5% dividend yield, you would be receiving $180,000 of passive income each year (and growing).

How do you do it?

Investors could simply invest in ASX ETFs if they're not keen on stock-picking. But if they want to build their own portfolio, they might want to look at companies with positive long-term outlooks, sustainable competitive advantages, and strong business models.

These are the qualities that Warren Buffett looks for when making investments for Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B).

And given how the Oracle of Omaha has delivered an average return of almost 20% per annum since 1965, it certainly could pay to follow his lead.

The main thing, though, is to be patient and stick with your plan through thick and thin. After all, the rewards could be staggering for your wealth.

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 positions in and has recommended Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on How to invest

A young couple hug each other and smile at the camera, standing in front of their brand new luxury car.
How to invest

Why buy and hold investing with ASX shares could make you rich

Here is the easy way to build wealth on the share market.

Read more »

Happy young woman saving money in a piggy bank.
How to invest

How to turn $250 a month into a $500,000 ASX share portfolio

Let's look at how sticking to a simple plan and investing every month can build serious wealth without stress.

Read more »

share buyers, investors, happy investors
How to invest

An easy and effective ASX portfolio with just 3 investments

This is the easy way to try and build a winning portfolio.

Read more »

A young couple hug each other and smile at the camera, standing in front of their brand new luxury car.
How to invest

How a beginner investor could build a $250,000 ASX share portfolio

Want to start investing? Here's one way to do it.

Read more »

Young businesswoman sitting in kitchen and working on laptop.
How to invest

How to build income on the ASX without losing sleep at night

Reliable income is about predictability, not excitement.

Read more »

Happy man holding Australian dollar notes, representing dividends.
How to invest

How to make $24,000 in passive income a year

Here are the steps to take if you want to build a significant passive income from ASX shares.

Read more »

A man in his office leans back in his chair with his hands behind his head looking out his window at the city, sitting back and relaxed, confident in his ASX share investments for the long term.
How to invest

Any ASX investor can use this simple 3-stock portfolio to build wealth

These three investments are simple and hands-off...

Read more »

A man stares out of an office window onto a landscape of high rise office buildings in an urban landscape.
How to invest

How to build a $50,000 portfolio with ASX 200 shares

It isn't as hard to build wealth in the share market. Here's how you can do it.

Read more »