If you want to build wealth and grow a $1 million investment portfolio that is sure to last you through retirement, the right plan can make all the difference. With some planning, consistently investing can push your funds past the $1 million mark.
Here are a few ways to grow your seed money from $7,500 to over $1 million, starting with two ways that won’t get you there.
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Investing $7,500 but nothing else at 10% for 25 years
While you could choose to stop investing with just your $7,500 initial investment, it would be tough to reach $100,000 within 25 years, let alone $1 million. If your investment provided 10% annual returns for 25 years, you’ll have a portfolio worth only $81,260.
Of course, having over $80,000 on hand is impressive. But it’s not even close to the seven-figure mark.
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Investing $7,500 but nothing else at 20% for 25 years
If you invest $7,500 into an asset that provides 20% annual returns for the next 25 years, you would end up with $715,472.
That’s still short of your $1 million goal. Not to mention that you’d need to be the next Warren Buffett to consistently earn 20% returns on your investments year after year. Since the average investor rarely achieves 20% returns, this path isn’t very likely.
The good news is that you can pursue more practical ways of reaching $1 million. Let’s explore a few of those options next so you can start investing .
1. Investing $7,500 plus $800 monthly at 10% for 25 years
If you start with $7,500 and commit to investing $800 monthly for the next 25 years, 10% returns would lead to a portfolio worth $1,025,392.
Interestingly, 10% annual returns are similar to what the S&P 500 returns over several decades. So, if you invest in a low-cost index fund, these returns could be within your grasp (although past returns don’t guarantee future results).
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2. Investing $7,500 plus $1,400 monthly at 10% for 20 years
To accelerate the timeline, you’ll need to kick in more to your investment portfolio each month. Increasing your monthly investment to $1,400 to a portfolio earning 10% yearly will allow you to hit seven figures within 20 years.
At the end of 20 years, your portfolio will be worth $1,012,676.
3. Investing $7,500 plus $2,550 monthly at 10% for 15 years
For aggressive savers who want to reach $1 million within 15 years, investing $2,550 monthly into an asset with 10% annual returns will do the trick. At the end of 15 years, you’ll have a portfolio worth $1,003,567.
If you have the space in your budget to set aside thousands of dollars each month, it can propel you to your financial goals faster.
4. Investing $7,500 plus $1,100 monthly at 8% for 25 years
While 10% annual returns are achievable, not every investor will capture such high returns. The stock market is inherently volatile. You shouldn’t expect to earn 10% every year. For investors who want to err on the side of caution, expecting an 8% return might be more realistic.
If your investments return 8% each year, you’ll need to contribute more funds each month to make up the difference on your trek to $1 million.
For savers who add $1,100 to their portfolio each month for 25 years, 8% annual returns will propel them to $1,016,362.
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5. Investing $7,500 plus $1,800 monthly at 8% for 20 years
If you’re a saver who wants to stay conservative, keep more money in your pocket , and achieve your goal within 20 years, you’ll need to increase your monthly contributions to $1,800.
After investing $1,800 monthly with 8% annual returns for 20 years, your portfolio will reach $1,023,416.
6. Investing $7,500 plus $3,000 monthly at 8% for 15 years
For savers with a compressed timeline and a conservative outlook, you’ll need to invest even more each month. If you invest $3,000 monthly with 8% annual returns for the next 15 years, your portfolio will reach $1,001,267.
Of course, investing thousands of dollars each month isn’t easy to do. But if you can hit this ambitious goal, you will see the fruits of your labor sooner rather than later. If this level of investing is a serious goal for you, consider picking up a side hustle and slashing your housing and transportation costs.
Bottom line
When it comes to building a million-dollar retirement, planning ahead is helpful. The sooner you start investing , the longer your funds have to grow.
If possible, consider setting up an automated investment solution to help you stick with the plan. Once you set it up, you can largely forget about the mechanics of investing and focus on living your life with the rest of your income.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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