How to become a millionaire
Enter what you have and how long you're willing to wait. The math will tell you if it's realistic.
The uncomfortable truth about becoming a millionaire
Everyone wants to be a millionaire. Very few people sit down and do the math. This calculator does it for you — and the results can be sobering or surprisingly encouraging, depending on where you start.
The formula is simple: how much annual return do you need on your starting capital to reach one million euros in a given number of years? No monthly contributions, no complicated scenarios. Just your money, time, and the power of compound growth. It strips the question down to its essence.
If you have 100,000 euros and 25 years, you need a 9.6% annual return. That's ambitious but historically within reach for a diversified stock portfolio. If you have 10,000 euros and 10 years, you need a 58.5% annual return — that's not investing, that's gambling. And if you have 500,000 euros and 15 years, you only need 4.7% per year. A balanced fund could do that.
The insight isn't whether you can become a millionaire. It's understanding what combination of starting capital, time, and returns makes it realistic. For most people, the answer is: start with more (keep saving), give it more time (start now), or both.
The stock market has historically returned 7-10% per year over long periods. Anything below 10% is within the realm of possibility for a patient, diversified investor. Anything above 15% year after year is exceptional. Above 25% sustained? That's Warren Buffett territory. Above 50%? Buy a lottery ticket instead — the odds might be better.