For most people, becoming a millionaire is a lofty goal. The median net worth across the country is $192,900, according to the latest Survey of Consumer Finances. So, if you're a long way from $1 million, you're not alone.
Because this is a big goal, some people also believe that it's unrealistic. That couldn't be further from the truth. If you manage your personal finances well throughout your career, it's entirely possible to become a millionaire. And it may happen sooner than you think.
How long it takes to become a millionaire
There are two key factors impacting how long it takes to become a millionaire:
- How much you save
- The return you get on your money
The first is self-explanatory. Everything else being equal, you'll have $1 million sooner if you're setting aside $1,000 per month compared to $500.
The return you get on your money is even more important. This is what turbocharges your savings. Let's say you're able to save $1,000 per month. If you aren't getting any sort of return on your money, it will take you 1,000 months to save $1 million. That's over 83 years, longer than the average person lives.
Now, let's say you invest your money. The stock market's average return is about 10% per year. But you may put some of your money in more conservative investments, too. We'll play it safe and assume you get an annual return of 8%. If you invest $1,000 per month, you'll have $1 million in 25.5 years.
Depending on your income, you may be able to invest more or less than that. Here's a look at how long it takes to become a millionaire based on how much you invest per month:
| Monthly contribution | Time to reach $1 million with an 8% annual return |
|---|
| $250 | 41.6 years |
| $500 | 33.3 years |
| $1,000 | 25.5 years |
| $2,500 | 16.3 years |
| $5,000 | 10.6 years |
Data source: Author's calculations.
Getting on track for $1 million
As you saw, it's a lot easier to save $1 million if you have plenty of time to do it. If you're starting at age 25, you could be a millionaire when you retire by investing about $250 per month. If you're starting at 45, you'll need to invest about $1,500 per month. It's still doable, but the faster you want to do it, the more money you need to invest.
If you haven't done so already, start investing right away. Set aside a portion of every paycheck. It can be any amount that works for you. What's important is that you make it a habit. Here are a few of the best ways to invest your money:
- Set up a 401(k) plan at work: If your employer offers this, it's well worth taking advantage. You can have contributions taken out of your paycheck, and you're able to invest with pre-tax income. Many employers also match 401(k) contributions up to a certain amount, which is essentially free money!
- Open an individual retirement account (IRA): You can open this type of account yourself through a stock broker and contribute to it with pre-tax income, just like a 401(k). Another option is a Roth IRA, where you pay normal income taxes on contributions, but withdrawals in retirement are tax free.
- Open a brokerage account: Unlike 401(k)s and IRAs, you don't save on taxes with a regular brokerage account. But there also aren't any annual contribution limits or early withdrawal penalties with brokerage accounts, like there are with retirement accounts.
You can invest in stocks with any of these accounts. They all offer investment funds, as well, that save you time by investing your money for you. Target-date funds are a popular option, because they invest your money based on the retirement year you choose.
Becoming a millionaire isn't an overnight process. It takes a lot of discipline to set aside money and invest consistently. If you put in the work, the reward is well worth it. You'll be able to build wealth and eventually have not just security, but financial freedom.
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FAQs
Long-time personal finance columnist Scott Burns writes that by working for four summers starting at age 16, putting the money in a Roth IRA, investing it wisely, and waiting until age 67, it's simple to become a millionaire. 1 That's the 51-year plan.
How long would it take to become a millionaire? ›
The time it takes to become a millionaire depends on how much you save and the return you get on your money. If you invest $1,000 per month and get an 8% annual return, you'll be a millionaire in 25.5 years. The key to being a millionaire is to start investing right away and to be consistent about it.
What is the IQ of a self made millionaire? ›
The average IQ of self-made* millionaires is 118. The average IQ of self-made deca-millionaires (over $10M net worth) is 118. The average IQ of self-made* billionaires is 133. The average IQ of self-made deca-billionaires (over $10B net worth) is 151.
Does $1000000 make you a millionaire? ›
A millionaire is somebody with a net worth of at least $1 million. It's a simple math formula based on your net worth. When what you own (your assets) minus what you owe (your liabilities) equals more than a million dollars, you're a millionaire. That's it!
How long does it take for 200k to become 1 million? ›
Following the same math, 12% gains double your money in six years. If your investments earn 8%, you'll have twice as much in nine years. Presuming the stock market's approximate historical return of 10%, $200,000 becomes $400,000 in 7.2 years, then $800,000 in 14.4 years and finally, $1.6 million in 21.6 years.
How can I be a millionaire in 5 years? ›
Here are seven proven steps to get you wealthy in five years:
- Build your financial literacy skills. ...
- Take control of your finances. ...
- Get in the wealthy mindset. ...
- Create a budget and live within your means. ...
- Step 5: Save to invest. ...
- Create multiple income sources. ...
- Surround yourself with other wealthy people.
It's Highly Unrealistic. According to Alec Kellzi, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) at FileSmart. Tax, going from zero to millionaire in just 12 months is unachievable for many people. “Amassing such wealth requires building and scaling a business at an extremely rapid and unprecedented pace,” explained Kellzi.
What is the IQ of Elon Musk? ›
As mentioned earlier, Elon Musk's IQ score is believed to be between 155 and 160. Above-average IQ scores within this range are only reserved for the "Highly Gifted" IQ classification.
What is Mark Zuckerberg's IQ? ›
On the other hand , the IQ of Mark Zuckerberg is reported to be around 152 , also falling in the top 0.1 % range . Both Musk and Zuckerberg are considered to be exceptionally intelligent individuals , with a deep understanding of various technical and scientific concepts .
What IQ puts you in top 1%? ›
Meaning of IQ
85 to 115 - Two thirds of us have an IQ in this range: the 'average' IQ is 100. Over 135 - You are in the top 1%.
If 90% of millionaires come from real estate, then 100% of billionaires come from private equity. And every month I acquire several new companies. We've gotten into the game of mergers, acquisitions.
How old is the average millionaire? ›
It should be no surprise that the average millionaire is older. It takes time to accumulate savings and let investment earnings grow. The median age of a millionaire household in America is 62.
Is $5 million cash rich? ›
Types of High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs)
An investor with less than $1 million but more than $100,000 is considered to be a sub-HNWI. The upper end of HNWI is around $5 million, at which point the client is referred to as a very-HNWI. More than $30 million in wealth classifies a person as an ultra-HNWI.
Can I live off interest on a million dollars? ›
Once you have $1 million in assets, you can look seriously at living entirely off the returns of a portfolio. After all, the S&P 500 alone averages 10% returns per year. Setting aside taxes and down-year investment portfolio management, a $1 million index fund could provide $100,000 annually.
How to turn 500K into passive income? ›
How to Turn $500K Into Passive Retirement Income
- Fixed-income securities.
- Dividend-paying stocks.
- Real estate.
- Business or entrepreneurship.
- High-yield savings accounts.
- Hobbies or interests.
Retiring at 65 with $1 million is entirely possible. Suppose you need your retirement savings to last for 15 years. Using this figure, your $1 million would provide you with just over $66,000 annually. Should you need it to last a bit longer, say 25 years, you will have $40,000 a year to play with.
How hard is it to become a millionaire? ›
Unless you come from a very wealthy family or win the lottery, there's little chance of becoming rich by doing nothing. You'll need discipline, a plan, and, if necessary, good advice from a registered professional who can help push you in the right direction to reach your goal of becoming a millionaire.
How long will it take to turn 500k into $1 million? ›
If invested with an average annual return of 7%, it would take around 15 years to turn 500k into $1 million.
How long does it take 100k to turn into 1 million? ›
If you keep saving, you can get there even faster. If you invest just $500 per month into the fund on top of the initial $100,000, you'll get there in less than 20 years on average. Adding $1,000 per month will get you to $1 million within 17 years.
What is the average age to become a millionaire? ›
The average age of a first time millionaires is 37, it has been found. In data released by Betway Insider, the average age of a first time billionaire is also revealed: and is a little higher at 51. So, if you're not quite there yet, what can you do to make your first million?
