3 simple steps to retire with a million

Here's how you could build a 7-figure portfolio.

a woman

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

Retiring with a million is an achievable goal for many investors. Key to realising that aim is starting to invest as early as possible to allow compounding to have a greater impact on your overall performance.

Furthermore, by investing through bear markets, it may be possible to enhance your returns due to obtaining a more favourable risk/reward ratio. And, through focusing on long-term growth trends, you may be able to further increase your retirement nest egg and boost its chances of being valued at over a million.

Starting today

Starting to invest as early as possible could mean that buying shares today is a good idea. Certainly, there are risks facing the world economy, such as a trade war between the US and China, which could lead to disappointing performance in the short run. But there are always risks facing investors that could easily dissuade them from buying stocks.

As such, starting to invest today could improve your returns through allowing compounding to have a larger impact on your portfolio value. With it being cheaper than ever to buy a diverse range of stocks through an online sharedealing account, starting to invest with even a modest amount of capital is possible. This could enhance the likelihood of obtaining a seven-figure retirement portfolio.

Invest through bear markets

A bear market could take place over the next few years. After all, the world economy has experienced a period of strong growth since the financial crisis that has produced a bull market for global equities. History shows that a bear market has always followed a bull market, which could mean that many shares experience a difficult period.

This may cause some investors to focus on less risky assets, such as cash and bonds. However, the most logical step to take during a bear market could be to purchase high-quality stocks while they trade on low valuations. This may improve an investor's risk/reward ratio, and allow them to generate higher profits through buying stocks at a discount to their intrinsic values.

Focus on long-term trends

In terms of where to invest, focusing on long-term global trends could be a sound move. For example, an ageing population may mean that companies which are focused on senior living opportunities enjoy a tailwind. They may see a rise in demand for products and services that aid retirees with everyday tasks.

Likewise, changes to the financial services and banking sector could produce opportunities for technology companies that are better able to meet evolving consumer tastes.

Clearly, it is impossible to predict exactly what the world economy will look like in upcoming decades. But by allocating your capital to areas that are likely to experience favourable operating conditions, it may be possible to enhance your overall returns. This could improve your chances of generating a seven-figure portfolio that offers a generous level of passive income in retirement.

Motley Fool contributor Peter Stephens has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Retirement

An older gentleman leans over his partner's shoulder as she looks at a tablet device while seated at a table in their classic Australian old person's home, complete with comfortable furniture and family photographs on the walls.
Retirement

Changes to age pension and retirement assets and income tests announced

Indexation changes to the age pension will come into effect on 20 March.

Read more »

A woman wearing a bright multi-coloured dress, blue sunglasses and hat stands on a beach laughing with her arms outstretched enjoying herself
Retirement

3 ASX retirement shares to buy with $10,000

Analysts think these shares could be worth considering for a retirement portfolio.

Read more »

Smiling elderly couple looking at their superannuation account, symbolising retirement.
Retirement

These 3 ASX dividend shares are perfect for retirees

Retirees have different investing needs to other investors.

Read more »

A happy elderly man wearing a red cape smiles as he jumps up like a hero from a massage table.
Superannuation

Is my superannuation on track?

Here's how much superannuation you should have at your age right now to fund a comfortable retirement later.

Read more »

Happy couple enjoying ice cream in retirement.
Retirement

2 of the best ASX shares to buy for a retirement portfolio

These buy-rated shares could be top picks for a retirement portfolio. Let's see why analysts are bullish on them.

Read more »

A young well-dressed couple at a luxury resort celebrate successful life choices.
Retirement

I would invest $500 a month into ASX shares to retire rich

These are the steps I would take to try and retire with more money than I could need.

Read more »

Retired couple hugging and laughing.
Retirement

Retirement: Can you afford to stop working?

This report finds that retirement isn't optional for some Australians.

Read more »

Smiling elderly couple looking at their superannuation account, symbolising retirement.
Retirement

How to build a winning retirement portfolio with ASX shares

Analysts see these shares as great options for retirees in 2025.

Read more »