How to turn $500 a month into $250,000 with ASX ETFs

This is the easy way to build wealth. Let's see how it works.

| 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

If you've ever thought you need a big salary or a lucky break to build serious wealth, think again.

With just $500 a month, a bit of discipline, and a few carefully chosen ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs), it is entirely possible to grow your portfolio to $250,000.

Let's break down exactly how it works — and which ASX ETFs could help get you there.

Happy man holding Australian dollar notes, representing dividends.

Image source: Getty Images

The $500-a-month strategy

This isn't a get rich quick story. It is more of a get rich slow and smart plan.

If you invest $500 a month into a diversified mix of ASX ETFs and earn a 10% annual return (in line with long-term equity market averages, though not guaranteed), your portfolio would grow to approximately $250,000 in just under 17 years.

That's the power of consistency and compounding. You don't need to worry about market timing or chasing trends — just focus on regular contributions and staying invested through the ups and downs.

But which ASX ETFs could be worth considering as part of this strategy? Let's take a look at four.

4 powerful ASX ETFs for long-term growth

Here are four ASX ETFs that could help you get to $250,000 in 17 years:

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF tracks the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 index, giving you exposure to innovation giants like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN). With its focus on technology and disruption, this ASX ETF has delivered strong returns over the past decade. And given the quality in the fund, it would not be surprising if this trend continues for the next decade and beyond.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

One of the most popular ETFs globally, the iShares S&P 500 ETF gives you exposure to the top 500 companies on Wall Street. This includes stocks from the healthcare, consumer goods, mining, financials, and tech sectors. Warren Buffett has often suggested that investors put their money into a fund like this instead of trying to beat the market.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

If you are a fan of Warren Buffett then the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF could be for you. This ASX ETF invests in high-quality US companies with strong competitive advantages or economic moats. Think of businesses that are hard to disrupt, with pricing power and long-term staying power. These are the type of stocks that Buffett likes to buy. And given his long term track record, this investment focus seems to work.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF provides exposure to more than 1,500 companies from developed markets around the world, excluding Australia. It is a great way to round out your portfolio and diversify across economies, currencies, and industries.

John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Microsoft, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ETFs

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

Which ASX ETFs have Aussies traded most since the Iran war began?

Aussies have $333 billion invested in ASX ETFs. Here's how their trading patterns have changed this month.

Read more »

a smiling woman sits at her computer at home with a coffee alongside her, as if pleased with her investments.
ETFs

Where I'd invest $50,000 into ASX ETFs today

A $50,000 investment doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s how I’d use ASX ETFs to build a balanced portfolio.

Read more »

ETF in gold hovering on a laptop.
ETFs

5 ASX ETFs to navigate rising interest rates

These funds could be worth considering if rates stay high.

Read more »

Latin American woman at home checking her budget after grocery shopping.
ETFs

Where to invest if inflation keeps rising – Expert

These funds could outperform if inflation stays high.

Read more »

A panel of four judges hold up cards all showing the perfect score of ten out of ten
ETFs

3 top Vanguard ETFs I would buy in April

Markets have been volatile, but that could create opportunities. Here are three Vanguard ETFs I’d consider as we head into…

Read more »

A woman scratches her head in dismay as she looks at a chaotic scene at a data centre.
ETFs

As AI spending accelerates these ASX ETFs could help you tap into the boom

AI and chips are reshaping industries.

Read more »

A little boy holds his fingers to his head posing as a bull.
ETFs

5 ASX ETFs to buy before the next bull market

These funds could be worth considering when sentiment shifts.

Read more »

Woman using a pen on a digital stock market chart in an office.
ETFs

After sinking 10%, is the IVV share price too cheap to ignore?

With global markets under pressure, this popular ETF is trading below recent highs. Could it be a buying opportunity?

Read more »