3 simple steps to retire with a million

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

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.

a woman

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

A mature aged couple dance together in their kitchen while they are preparing food in a joyful scene.
Retirement

How much would I need to invest in ASX shares for a retirement income of $100,000 per year?

With the right yield and portfolio size, a six-figure income from ASX shares is achievable.

Read more »

Couple holding a piggy bank, symbolising superannuation.
Retirement

How to retire early using ASX dividend shares

These easy steps could help you achieve your goals.

Read more »

A stopwatch ticking close to the 12 where the words on the face say 'Time to Buy'.
Retirement

Why Wesfarmers shares are a retiree's dream in 2026

Wesfarmers is a leading business to own for the long term.

Read more »

an older couple look happy as they sit at a laptop computer in their home.
Retirement

Pensioners' investment deeming rates to rise for the second time in 6 months

Changes to deeming rates may affect your eligibility for the age pension, or how much pension you'll receive, from next…

Read more »

Superannuation written on a jar with Australian dollar notes.
Superannuation

The superannuation balance you'll need for a comfortable retirement just went up

Retirement has never been more expensive.

Read more »

Two people lazing in deck chairs on a beautiful sandy beach throw their hands up in the air.
Dividend Investing

Why this ASX dividend share is a retiree's dream!

I rate this business as a leading income idea for retirees.

Read more »

Superannuation written on a jar with Australian dollar notes.
Superannuation

Warning: This superannuation myth could derail your retirement

So many Aussies make the same mistake.

Read more »

An older couple dance in their living room as they enjoy their retirement funded by ASX dividends
Retirement

The ASX 200 shares I'd be comfortable holding in an SMSF

Let's see why these blue chips could be good picks for an SMSF.

Read more »