How to become a millionaire in 25 years with $20 a day

It's definitely possible to become a millionaire in 25 years with just $20 a day. You just need to be disciplined at saving and investing.

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

Do you want to become a millionaire in 25 years by investing just $20 a day?

In this article I'm going to show you how it could work.

Reaching $1 million seems like a great goal for the average Aussie. Becoming a 'millionaire' has a nice ring to it. However, don't get caught thinking that means driving a Ferrari. Inflation has meant $1 million isn't quite as impressive as it was 25 years ago.

Why 25 years to become a millionaire? Why not 10 years?

It's important to be realistic with your financial goals. The more unrealistic you make your goals the more likely it is you'll never reach that goal. 'Get rick quick' schemes lure people in with dreams of a luxurious lifestyle, but they don't warn of the risks, the fees and the low chance of success. 

I think 25 years is a good timeframe because it gives an investment a long enough time to utilise compound interest, but 25 years doesn't mean your whole life either.

Even the richest people in the world take time to grow their wealth and businesses. For example, Warren Buffett didn't become a billionaire until he was 56. He added all those other billions to his net worth when most people are thinking about retirement.

You may only need $20 a day to become a millionaire

As long as you have a decent income, I think it's possible to find $20 a day. The most important thing for your budget is to not get stuck into expensive monthly payments you can't afford. Your home, a car loan – those big ticket items can really drain your monthly budget.

If you can save $20 a day, that's $140 a week or $7,300 a year. If you save $20 a day then that amounts to around $146,000 over 25 years.

You might say: "Hang on. That's not even close to $1 million." Stuffing $146,000 under the mattress or into a safe isn't going to compound into $1 million.

The best interest rates from savings account you can find right now in Australia are around 2%. If your daily $20 saving compounded at 2% per year you'd finish with $233,821.

I think you need to invest in (ASX) shares to make the required returns to become a millionaire these days. Businesses have the ability to generate strong returns and re-invest for growth.

If you invested $20 a day for 25 years, it'd be possible to make $1 million if you were making returns of 12.25% per annum.

It's difficult to generate those types of returns, you'd have to find great growth shares at a fairly early stage of their growth. Shares like A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M), Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT), Appen Ltd (ASX: APX), REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) and Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) have generated very strong returns for early investors. Names like Amazon, Netflix, Alphabet/Google, Facebook, Visa and Mastercard are international names that have made great returns over the years.

Two of my preferred small cap ideas right now are Bubs Australia Ltd (ASX: BUB) and Pushpay Holdings Ltd (ASX: PPH) for long-term returns.

However, I think it's important to remain realistic. You may not find many of these growth shares early on. 

A realistic scenario of 10% returns

Let's alter a few of the assumptions a little. The share market has returned an average of 10% over the long-term, so let's use that growth rate. Let's assume you've already been doing some saving and you've got $10,000 ready to invest at the start of the process. But to become a millionaire you'd need to save a little more per year (if shares return 10% a year), you'd have to save an average of around $25 a day.

Foolish takeaway

I think it's possible for the average Australian household to achieve what I've outlined, particularly when you add the mandatory superannuation contribution amounts (and lower taxes within super) into the mix. If you're younger you may not be able to commit much money at the start, but you can then invest a lot more in your later years as your earnings hopefully increases.

Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of BUBS AUST FPO and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended PUSHPAY FPO NZX. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of A2 Milk, AFTERPAY T FPO, and Appen Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BUBS AUST FPO and REA Group Limited. 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 Personal Finance

A happy family of four on holidays stand on a jetty and cheer.
Personal Finance

Where should you invest your dividends?

There are a few things we can direct our cash payouts towards.

Read more »

A mature-aged couple high-five each other as they celebrate a financial win and early retirement
Personal Finance

How to replace a salary with ASX dividends

Passive income from ASX shares is a great way to supplement work earnings.

Read more »

Man putting in a coin in a coin jar with piles of coins next to it.
Personal Finance

3 things I'm doing before the end of the financial year to build my wealth

I’m making moves to improve my finances.

Read more »

Retired couple hugging and laughing.
Share Market News

Eyeing retirement: Do you really need $1 million?

AustralianSuper recently weighed in.

Read more »

A couple are happy sitting on their yacht.
Personal Finance

4 simple steps to become a millionaire with ASX shares

It’s straightforward, but not easy, to become a millionaire.

Read more »

A senior investor wearing glasses sits at his desk and works on his ASX shares portfolio on his laptop.
Personal Finance

3 things I'm doing ahead of the new financial year, FY26

I think this is a great time to look at a few areas of my finances.

Read more »

A worried woman looks at her phone and laptop, seeking ways to tighten her belt against inflation.
Personal Finance

How does your debt level compare to the average Australian?

Some debts are better than others...

Read more »

Woman on a swing at a beach, symbolising passive income.
Personal Finance

Want to earn more passive income from ASX shares than your job? Here's how I'd do it

This is a good time to start building investment income.

Read more »