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 head shot of legendary investor Warren Buffett speaking into a microphone at an event.
How to invest

I'd listen to Warren Buffett's advice and buy wonderful ASX shares today

Here's how following Buffett's lead could help you beat the market.

Read more »

A young female investor with brown curly hair and wearing a yellow top and glasses sits at her desk using her calculator to work out how much her ASX dividend shares will pay this year
How to invest

4 ASX 300 shares Australia's top female investors choose

Female ASX investors are rewriting the fund manager rule book with incisive investment strategies

Read more »

A man balances on a tightrope across rocks above the sea at sunset.
How to invest

The risk of not taking risks with your ASX shares

One financial expert has a simple message for anyone not investing in shares.

Read more »

A young male worker climbs a ladder.
Share Market News

Investing in shares now 'part of the ladder' to buying a home

Investing in shares can speed up the process of generating enough cash for a home deposit, expert says.

Read more »

Seven men and women of different ages and nationalities put their heads together and smile as they look down at the camera.
How to invest

4 ASX stock investments to instantly diversify your portfolio

There are plenty of opportunities to diversify your portfolio through ASX investments.

Read more »

Man holding fifty Australian Dollar banknote in his hands, symbolising dividends, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

For a shot at $5,000 a year in passive income, buy 710 shares of this ASX stock

I think every passive income investor should have this ASX dividend stock in their portfolio.

Read more »

Two surfers, one older and one younger, high five with big smiles on their faces.
How to invest

Strategies for successfully navigating market volatility

Master the art of navigating market volatility and learn to ride the waves of the ASX for long-term growth and…

Read more »

property prices represented by person holding on to miniature house
Share Market News

Shares vs. property: Record stock ownership amid landlords' exit

Household wealth derived from owning shares just hit a record $1.4 trillion.

Read more »