For many Australians, the dream of building a million-dollar portfolio can feel out of reach.
But the reality is that you don't need a lottery win or even a six-figure salary to get there. What you do need is time, consistency, and a little help from compounding returns.
Here's how investing just $500 a month into ASX shares could grow into $1 million over time.
The power of consistency
Investing $500 a month doesn't sound like much on its own. But add it up, and you're putting $6,000 to work every year. Over a decade, that's $60,000 in contributions.
But the real magic happens when those contributions are invested in quality ASX shares or ETFs that can deliver steady long-term growth.
The share market has historically delivered an average annual return of around 9% to 10%. While there are no guarantees of this in the future, this is a reasonable guide for what might be achieved with a disciplined, long-term approach.
The maths
Let's assume you invest $500 every month into a portfolio of quality ASX shares or ETFs that return 10% per annum.
- After 10 years, your portfolio could be worth around $100,000.
- Stretch that to 20 years, and it grows to roughly $360,000.
- After 30 years your balance passes the $1 million
The lesson here is quite clear: time in the market matters far more than trying to time the market.
Where to invest your $500
The key to reaching that million-dollar goal isn't chasing speculative stocks like Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN), which often destroy wealth, but building a portfolio around high-quality shares and diversified ETFs.
You might look at blue-chip shares like ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD) or Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), which have long track records of growing earnings. Or ETFs such as the Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) or the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV), which give you exposure to hundreds of stocks in one trade.
By focusing on shares with strong business models, experienced management teams, and competitive advantages, you set yourself up for the kind of reliable compounding that builds serious wealth over decades.
Foolish takeaway
A million-dollar portfolio doesn't require luck — it requires patience and discipline. By committing $500 a month to quality ASX shares or ETFs and letting compounding do the heavy lifting, you can realistically aim to reach that milestone over the long-term.
The earlier you start, the less you'll need to contribute. But even if you're getting a later start, the simple habit of investing consistently can transform your financial future.
