How to turn $100 a week into $500,000 with ASX shares

You don't need to invest large sums to become rich in the share market.

A young couple hug each other and smile at the camera standing in front of their brand new luxury car

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

Investing can seem daunting at first — especially if you're starting small. But here's the good news: you don't need a huge salary, a stock-picking superpower, or perfect timing to build serious wealth.

All it takes is consistency, patience, and a long-term mindset.

In fact, by simply investing the equivalent of $100 a week into quality ASX shares or exchange traded funds (ETFs), you could turn that into over $500,000 over time — without taking extraordinary risks.

Let's break down how it works.

The power of compounding

If you invest $100 per week — or $400 a month — and achieve an average 10% annual return, which is in line with historical averages (but not guaranteed), here's how your portfolio could grow:

  • After 10 years: $80,000
  • After 20 years: $290,000
  • After 25 years: $500,000

That's right — over half a million dollars just by steadily investing $100 a week and letting time and compounding do the heavy lifting.

Where to invest

To give themselves the best shot at a strong return, investors might want to focus on investing in high-quality ASX shares and ETFs — the kind of businesses and funds that can grow steadily over decades, not just quarters.

ETFs like iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) or Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) provide broad exposure to hundreds of US and global stocks.

Quality ASX shares like Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), or WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) offer strong fundamentals, reliable growth, and management teams that know how to create long-term value.

The goal isn't to chase hype — it is to own pieces of high-performing businesses that reinvest profits, grow earnings, and reward shareholders over time.

Time and discipline

It is not about how much you start with — it is about how long you stay invested.

An investor who quietly puts in $100 a week for 25 years will often end up far ahead of the person who starts with a bang but loses discipline.

Markets go up and down. News headlines come and go. But time in the market is what ultimately builds wealth.

Set up automatic contributions. Reinvest your dividends. Ignore the noise. Stick to your plan. Your future self will thank you.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL, ResMed, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, ResMed, Wesfarmers, WiseTech Global, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, Wesfarmers, and iShares S&P 500 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 young woman sits with her hand to her chin staring off to the side thinking about her investments.
How to invest

When is the best time to sell ASX shares?

The best time to sell shares is never. But we need to be flexible.

Read more »

A woman looks questioning as she puts a coin into a piggy bank.
How to invest

Getting rich: Why Charlie Munger says the first $100,000 is both hardest and most important

Charlie Munger knew a thing or two about getting rich.

Read more »

A group of young ASX investors sitting around a laptop with an older lady standing behind them explaining how investing works.
How to invest

Why it's a stock picker's market and how to maximise your returns

It pays to be selective in 2025.

Read more »

Person handing out $100 notes, symbolising ex-dividend date.
How to invest

How $500 a month in ASX shares could make you wealthy

Investing consistently could be the key to becoming rich in the future. Here's how.

Read more »

A woman in hammock with headphones on enjoying life which symbolises passive income.
How to invest

A new age: What safe-haven investments look like in 2025

Looking beyond the traditional definition.

Read more »

Smiling woman with her head and arm on a desk holding $100 notes out, symbolising dividends.
How to invest

How to earn $1,000 a month in passive income from ASX shares

Want a wage from the share market? Here's how to do it.

Read more »

Male hands holding Australian dollar banknotes, symbolising dividends.
How to invest

How to build a $250,000 ASX share portfolio by 2035

Here's how you could potentially reach $250k from zero in just a decade.

Read more »

A businesswoman weighs up the stack of cash she receives, with the pile in one hand significantly more than the other hand.
How to invest

How I'd build a $20,000 annual passive income stream from these top ASX 200 shares

To earn $20,000 a year in passive income, I’d start with these three ASX 200 shares.

Read more »