A three-point plan to retiring with a million

Think millionaire status is out of reach? Think again.

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.

Beach Sunset

Image: Fair Use

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

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.

So you want to know how to retire as a millionaire? It’s a lot easier easier than you think. But the chances are, if you want to make it happen, you need to start now. So listen in. Here’s a three-point plan to retiring with a million.

Create a millionaire plan

The first step towards millionaire status is creating a plan. As with any big goal in life, you need a plan that will help you get there. Without one, it’s too easy to lose focus. Spend a few hours putting together a rock-solid one, and you’ll have done 90% of the hard work towards millionaire status already.

What should your plan involve? It should examine factors such as the amount you can save on a monthly basis, your investment time horizon, and the return you can expect on your money.

Create multiple income streams

Struggling to save? Have you ever thought about creating extra income streams to help you build your wealth faster? They say the average millionaire has seven different income streams, so it’s probably a wise idea to consider ways in which you could turbo-charge your income.

These days, it’s easier than ever to bring in extra cash. For example, if you enjoy writing, you could pick up some freelance writing work though a freelancer site. Interested in a niche hobby? How about starting a blog and making money through ad revenue? If you have spare capital, you could lend it to small businesses through a peer-to-peer lending platform. The options are endless. Some extra income could definitely speed up your journey to millionaire status. 

Invest in high-growth assets

Lastly, it’s absolutely paramount that you get your hard-earned capital working for you. I can’t stress this enough. 

Unless you’re earning a footballer’s salary, it’s highly unlikely you’ll hit millionaire status by parking your savings in a high street bank account. Do you know how long it would take for £10,000 to grow to a million, while earning 1% in a high street bank account? Approximately 463 years.

This is where the stock market can help you. Analysts at Hargreaves Lansdown recently determined that £10,000 invested in the FTSE 100 index in 1987, with all dividends reinvested, would have grown to £106,000 after 30 years. That’s an annualised return of around 8.5% per year, a decent return. However, according to my calculations, had just £50 per week been added to the portfolio, it would have grown to over a million after just 40 years.

The lessons here? Seek out high-growth investments, invest regularly and be patient. Don’t jump in and out of the market, because the chances are you’ll get the timing wrong and lose out, like so many novice investors do. Instead, invest for the long term, reinvest your dividends, and allow the amazing power of compounding to do the hard work for you.

So what are you waiting for? Why not get started on your millionaire plan today?

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

More on Investing Articles

Investing Articles

3 shares I’d buy for passive income if I was retiring early

Roland Head profiles three FTSE 350 dividend shares he’d like to buy for their passive income to support an early…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Here’s how many Aviva shares I’d need for £1,000 a year in passive income

Our writer has been buying shares of this FTSE 100 insurer, but how many would he need to aim for…

Read more »

Female Doctor In White Coat Having Meeting With Woman Patient In Office
Investing Articles

1 incredible growth stock I can’t find on the FTSE 100

The FTSE 100 offers us a lot of interesting investment opportunities, but there's not much in the way of traditional…

Read more »

Mature Caucasian woman sat at a table with coffee and laptop while making notes on paper
Investing Articles

With an £8K lump sum, I could create an annual second income worth £5,347

This Fool explains how a second income is achievable by using a lump sum, investing in stocks, and the magic…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Here’s what dividend forecasts could do for the BT share price in the next 3 years

With the BT share price down so low, the dividend looks very nice indeed. The company's debt is off-putting, though.…

Read more »

Hand of person putting wood cube block with word VALUE on wooden table
Investing Articles

28% revenue growth per year and down over 20% in price! Should I invest in this niche FTSE 250 company?

Oliver says this FTSE 250 company has done an excellent job bringing auctioning into the modern world. Will he invest…

Read more »

Investing Articles

After gaining over 200% in 12 months, what’s next for Nvidia stock?

Oliver thinks Nvidia stock could be as enduring an investment as Amazon. Even given the valuation risks, he says he…

Read more »

Passive income text with pin graph chart on business table
Investing Articles

With a 6.7% yield, I consider Verizon exceptional for passive income

Oliver Rodzianko says Verizon offers one of the best passive income opportunities on the market. He just needs to remember…

Read more »