I’d invest £5k in cheap FTSE 100 shares to make a million and retire early

If you want to make a million from the stock market and retire early, use the crash to load up on cheap FTSE 100 shares.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

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.

Right now, investors can choose from a host of cheap FTSE 100 shares. This gives you a great opportunity to top up your Stocks and Shares ISA allowance. If you do that year after year, you could put yourself in the perfect position to retire early and enjoy the years thereafter.

Making a tax-free million inside an ISA can be done, but it’ll take time. So put aside all dreams of overnight riches. Investing £5k won’t generate a million on its own, obviously, but it will push you a little further along the path.

Anybody who approaches the stock market with a get-rich-quick mentality will make bad decisions. You need to take a long-term view, and buy cheap FTSE 100 shares when you can. The current stock market crash offers an opportunity.

Plan now to make a million

That’s because it gives you the opportunity to buy cheap FTSE 100 shares at much lower valuations than just a couple of months ago.

The FTSE 100 has recovered since dipping below 5,000 in March. As I write, the stock market rebound has driven it to nearly 6,000, a rise of 20%. Those who took advantage of the initial crash will be that bit closer to making a million.

Building a £1m ISA portfolio is a mighty task to set yourself, and you can’t afford to hang around. If you see a chance to buy cheap FTSE 100 shares, you should take it. That means investing your £5k, or any other sum, when you can.

You can invest up to £20,000 this year inside an ISA. That may be beyond many people’s reach, but do your best. The more you put away each year, the better your chances of making a million-pound ISA.

Buy cheap FTSE 100 shares today

To make a million, I’d start with a spread of FTSE 100 stocks, focusing on companies that should survive the coronavirus in relatively good shape. I’d look for strong balance sheets, loyal customers, and a competitive ‘moat’ that discourages competitors. If you can find a company that’s continuing to pay its dividend, that may also indicate financial strength. 

If aiming to make a million, the dividend is one of your best friends. If you reinvest these for growth, compound interest will power your portfolio forwards.

The global economy will take a massive hit this year, and may not return to full vigour until well into next year. However, I wouldn’t wait until then before you start buying cheap FTSE 100 shares, otherwise you could miss the first leg of the economic recovery.

Also, it takes time to make a million pound ISA portfolio. We are talking decades. The earlier you start, the longer you have, and you the better your chances of success. Good luck!

Harvey Jones has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Investing Articles

3 top stock market investment ideas for UK investors in 2026

In 2026, the stock market is likely to throw up plenty of lucrative opportunities for investors. Here are three investment…

Read more »

Thoughtful man using his phone while riding on a train and looking through the window
Investing Articles

How to invest a Stocks and Shares ISA like a pro in 2026

The Stocks and Shares ISA is a powerful investment account. Here are some strategies used by professional investors to get…

Read more »

Investing Articles

£5,000 invested in BP shares could generate this much dividend income in 2026…

Andrew Mackie weighs up whether BP shares’ attractive dividend yield is reason enough for him to keep holding the stock…

Read more »

Investing Articles

In 2026, I think the FTSE 100 could pass 12,000

How could FTSE 100 replicate the success of 2025? Our Foolish author examines why the index might pass 12,000 in…

Read more »

Investing Articles

3 brilliant British shares to consider buying for 2026

If an investor is looking for shares to buy for 2026, they have plenty of great options whether the goal…

Read more »

Yellow number one sitting on blue background
Investing Articles

I asked ChatGPT to pick 1 growth stock to put 100% of my money into, and it chose…

Betting everything on a single growth stock carries massive danger, but in this thought experiment, ChatGPT endorsed a FTSE 250…

Read more »

Portrait of pensive bearded senior looking on screen of laptop sitting at table with coffee cup.
Investing Articles

How little is £1,000 invested in Diageo shares at the start of 2025 worth now?

Paul Summers takes a closer look at just how bad 2025 has been for holders of Diageo's shares. Will things…

Read more »

Aston Martin DBX - rear pic of trunk
Investing Articles

After a terrible 2025, can the Aston Martin share price bounce back?

The Aston Martin share price has shed 41% of its value in 2025. Could the coming year offer any glimmer…

Read more »