5 easy steps to build a $100,000 ASX share portfolio

It may not be as hard as you expect to build wealth in the share market.

A man walks up three brick pillars to a dollar sign.

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 $100,000 ASX share portfolio isn't as hard as you might think. With the right strategy and a disciplined approach, it is more than possible.

And potentially achievable sooner than you think. Here are five steps for Aussie investors to take:

Step 1: Set clear investment goals

Before you start investing, it is important to understand your objectives. Are you investing for long-term wealth building, passive income, or a combination of both? Setting clear goals will help guide your ASX share selection and risk tolerance.

If your aim is to grow your capital over time, you may want to focus on quality growth stocks. If income is a priority, ASX blue chips with strong dividends could be more suitable. Having a clear roadmap will ensure that your portfolio is aligned with your financial goals.

Step 2: Commit to regular investing

One of the best ways to reach a $100,000 portfolio is through consistent investing.

Instead of trying to time the market, consider using dollar-cost averaging. This involves investing a set amount at regular intervals, such as $500 or $1,000 per month.

For example, if you are in a position to invest $1,000 every month and achieve an average annual return of 10% (which is in line with historical stock market averages), you could reach $100,000 in just over six years. The key is consistency.

Step 3: Diversify with quality ASX shares

Diversification is crucial for reducing investment risk with ASX shares. Instead of putting all your money into one stock, spread your investments across different sectors and industries.

A well-balanced portfolio might include growth stocks like Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) or WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), dividend stocks like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), or ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) such as the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) or Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ).

Step 4: Reinvest your dividends

Unless you are investing specifically for income, it can literally pay to reinvest your dividends.

By doing so, you can use the funds to buy more shares, compounding your returns over time.

Some companies even offer dividend reinvestment plans, which allow you to be paid out in shares rather dividends. This saves on brokerage costs.

Step 5: Stay patient and avoid emotional investing

The biggest mistake investors make is reacting emotionally to market fluctuations. Selling in a panic during downturns or chasing hype stocks can derail your progress. Instead, focus on the long term and stick to your strategy.

Markets will have ups and downs, but quality ASX shares tend to recover and grow over time. By staying invested, taking advantage of compounding, and making informed decisions, you'll give yourself the best chance of reaching that $100,000 milestone.

Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

Scott just revealed what he believes could be the 'five best ASX stocks' for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 3 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Telstra Group, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. 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

Three business people look stressed out as they contemplate stacks of extra paperwork.
How to invest

How dollar cost averaging can reduce stress in a volatile market

Investing doesn’t need to be stressful. Here’s the way to do it.

Read more »

Man holding a calculator with Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
How to invest

How to build a $1,000 monthly passive income stream from ASX shares

The share market could be your own personal ATM. Here’s what you need to do.

Read more »

A head shot of legendary investor Warren Buffett speaking into a microphone at an event.
How to invest

What would Warren Buffett do with ASX shares in this market selloff? Probably this…

Let's see what the Oracle of Omaha might be doing right now.

Read more »

Gold nuggets with a share price chart.
How to invest

What happened to the gold price during the COVID market downturn and GFC?

Gold is regarded as a hedge against market volatility. But is that really the case?

Read more »

A female sharemarket analyst with red hair and wearing glasses looks at her computer screen watching share price movements.
How to invest

Back to basics: How to decide how much to pay for ASX shares?

It’s a fundamental question all ASX investors must ask. What’s the answer?

Read more »

Hand holding Australian dollar (AUD) bills, symbolising ex dividend day. Passive income.
How to invest

How I'd build a $100,000 ASX portfolio from scratch

It may not be as hard as you think to reach this milestone.

Read more »

A man in his 30s holds his laptop and operates it with his other hand as he has a look of pleasant surprise on his face as though he is learning something new or finding hidden value in something on the screen.
How to invest

Experts reveal the first ASX share they ever bought & what they've learned

Learning from other people's experiences may stop you from making dumb mistakes.

Read more »

Animated man balancing on a chart with a red and green arrow symbolising volatility.
How to invest

US markets swung wildly last night. How extreme volatility can be a gift to ASX investors

How to make the most of market volatility.

Read more »