I think this simple ASX investing habit can build wealth over time

You don't need complex strategies to succeed in the share market.

| 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

There is no shortage of complex strategies when it comes to ASX investing.

But what I come back to is something much simpler. It is the habit of adding to quality investments regularly and giving them time to grow.

It does not rely on perfect timing. It does not depend on picking the next big thing. It is about building exposure over time and letting the underlying businesses do the work.

Here is how I think about it.

A man in his office leans back in his chair with his hands behind his head looking out his window at the city.

Image source: Getty Images

Start with businesses you understand

The first step is choosing ASX shares that make sense to you.

I find it easier to stay invested when I understand how a business makes money and why customers keep coming back. That tends to lead me toward companies with clear roles in the economy and steady demand.

For example, businesses like Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) or Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) operate in areas that are part of everyday life. That familiarity makes it easier to hold them through different market conditions.

Add to positions over time

Once I have identified a few ASX shares, the next step is consistency.

Adding to positions over time can help smooth out market movements. Some purchases will happen at higher prices and others at lower prices, which tends to even out over the long run.

This approach also removes the pressure of trying to decide when to invest a lump sum. Instead, the focus shifts to building the position gradually. This is often referred to as dollar-cost averaging.

Let the businesses do the work

Over time, the results tend to come back to the underlying performance of the ASX shares.

If earnings are growing and cash flow is improving, that usually flows through to the share price and dividends. It may not happen in a straight line, but the direction tends to follow the business.

That is why I focus more on how the company is tracking than on short-term share price movements.

Keep it manageable

I think there is value in keeping things simple.

A smaller number of positions makes it easier to follow what is happening and stay confident in the investment. It also helps avoid spreading capital too thinly across too many ideas.

That clarity becomes more important over time, especially as the portfolio grows.

Stay patient

Time is a big part of this approach and shouldn't be overlooked.

Compounding takes time to show up, and that can test patience when markets move around.

Staying consistent and sticking to the plan is what allows it to work.

Foolish takeaway

Building wealth in the share market does not need to be complicated.

Focusing on quality businesses, adding to them over time, and staying invested can go a long way. It is a simple ASX investing habit, but I think it is one that can make a real difference over the long term.

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. 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

Woman smiling with her hands behind her back on her couch, symbolising passive income.
How to invest

How much do I need to invest in ASX shares for $500 a month of passive income?

Banks, miners, retailers, and REITs could all play a role, but I would not want the portfolio relying too heavily…

Read more »

A group of young people lined up on a wall are happy looking at their laptops and devices as they invest in the latest trendy stock.
How to invest

How beginners could go from zero to $50,000 with ASX shares

Small monthly investments can feel modest at first, but time and compounding can turn them into something much more meaningful.

Read more »

A girl sits on her bed in her room while using laptop and listening to headphones.
How to invest

Money to invest? I'd follow Warren Buffett to get rich

Buffett’s method is not about chasing the next hot stock. It is about finding durable businesses and giving them time…

Read more »

Man holding a calculator with Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
How to invest

$10,000 invested in these ASX 200 shares 10 years ago is worth…

These shares made their shareholders wealthier over the past decade.

Read more »

A woman looks questioning as she puts a coin into a piggy bank.
How to invest

How to build a $1,000 a month passive income from the ASX

The goal is not to find one perfect dividend share. It is to build a portfolio that can keep paying…

Read more »

A couple are happy sitting on their yacht.
How to invest

How to become a millionaire with ASX shares starting with $0

Becoming a millionaire from zero is a long-term project. The key is consistency, patience, and increasing contributions where possible.

Read more »

A man in his 30s with a clipped beard sits at his laptop on a desk with one finger to the side of his face and his chin resting on his thumb as he looks concerned while staring at his computer screen.
How to invest

Should you sell in May and stay away?

It may not be the smart thing to do to follow this old adage.

Read more »

fintech, smart investor, happy investor, technology shares,
How to invest

How to turn $250 a month into $50,000 with ASX shares

Small, regular investments can build into something meaningful. The key is consistency, time, and a simple approach.

Read more »