How to build a $500,000 ASX share portfolio from scratch

Getting rich in the share market isn't as hard as you might think.

Image source: Getty Images

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

Building a $500,000 ASX share portfolio may seem like an impossible goal, but with patience, consistency, and the power of compounding, it could be more achievable than you might think.

One of the best ways to grow wealth in the stock market is through regular investing.

By committing to investing $750 per month in a mix of quality ASX shares and ASX ETFs, you could build a half-million-dollar portfolio in just under 20 years.

The power of consistency and compounding with ASX shares

Investing isn't necessarily about finding the next hot stock or timing the market perfectly—it is about consistency and time in the market. History has shown that the ASX has delivered average annual returns of around 10%.

And while there is no guarantee that this will continue in the future, I feel it is a fair return to target.

With that in mind, starting from scratch and investing $750 per month would turn into $500,000 in just under 20 years.

What to invest in?

To build a well-rounded portfolio, it could be a good idea to invest in a mix of individual ASX shares and ASX ETFs that offer broad market exposure.

In respect to ASX shares, investors may want to consider companies with sustainable competitive advantages, strong balance sheets, and long-term growth prospects.

Companies such as CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360), ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), and Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) are names that come immediately to mind and could be worth further investigation.

Diversifying with ETFs

To reduce risk and gain exposure to global megatrends, a selection of ETFs can provide diversification across sectors and geographies.

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT) could be a good option. It invests in high-quality U.S. companies with strong competitive advantages.

There's also the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) to consider. It provides exposure to top U.S. tech companies like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA).

And the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK) is another to consider. It targets the booming cybersecurity industry with companies like Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW) and CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD).

Foolish takeaway

Building a $500,000 portfolio doesn't require a huge lump sum—just consistent investing, patience, and smart asset allocation.

By sticking to a disciplined monthly investment plan and focusing on high-quality ASX shares and ETFs, you could set yourself up for significant long-term wealth.

Start today, stick to your plan, and let the power of compounding work for you.

Should you invest $1,000 in Ishares S&p/asx Small Ordinaries Etf right now?

Before you buy Ishares S&p/asx Small Ordinaries Etf shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Ishares S&p/asx Small Ordinaries Etf wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 3 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, Life360, ResMed, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, CrowdStrike, Life360, Microsoft, Nvidia, ResMed, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Palo Alto Networks and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, ResMed, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, CSL, CrowdStrike, Microsoft, Nvidia, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on How to invest

A man with a wide, eager smile on his face holds up three fingers.
How to invest

Beginner investor? Here's a simple 3-stock ASX portfolio to get you started

You don't need to start with a big portfolio. Here's how simple it could get.

Read more »

Beautiful holiday photo showing two deck chairs close-up with people sitting in them enjoying the bright blue ocean and island view while sipping champagne and enjoying the good life thanks to Pilbara Minerals share price gains in recent times
How to invest

The easy way to build significant wealth with ASX shares

Here's the easy way to succeed in the investing world.

Read more »

A panel of four judges hold up cards all showing the perfect score of ten out of ten
How to invest

How to build the perfect ASX share portfolio

How is it possible? Let's find out.

Read more »

Happy young man and woman throwing dividend cash into air in front of orange background.
How to invest

How to become a millionaire by investing in ASX shares

It isn't as hard as you think to become rich with investing.

Read more »

Man drawing an upward line on a bar graph symbolising a rising share price.
How to invest

The power of compounding: What $1,000 a month in ASX shares could become

Compounding is your best friend in the world of investing.

Read more »

$100 Australian notes on top of each other.
How to invest

How to build a winning $250,000 ASX share portfolio starting from zero

These are the steps I would take to grow wealth with ASX shares.

Read more »

Legendary share market investing expert and owner of Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett
How to invest

5 Warren Buffett quotes to become a better ASX share investor

It could pay (literally) to listen to the Oracle of Omaha's words of wisdom.

Read more »

A young man sitting at an outside table uses a card to pay for his online shopping.
How to invest

The ASX is on sale! Here's how I'd build a portfolio for the next decade

This is what I would do if I were starting out again with ASX shares.

Read more »