2 secrets to targeting a £1,000,000 Stocks and Shares ISA

A million-pound Stocks and Shares ISA sounds like a pipe dream. But here’s why I think it’s possible, thanks to two key steps.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

Rainbow foil balloon of the number two on pink background

Image source: Getty Images

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

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.

I used to think building a £1,000,000 net worth was impossible for those of us with normal jobs. But for anyone with the right knowledge who can save regularly, I’d say it’s a realistic goal for a Stocks and Shares ISA.

In my view, there are two crucial steps to follow. By understanding them, I hope to invest my own ISA to a £1m net worth.

The eighth wonder of the world

The first ‘secret’ is how mind-bogglingly powerful compound interest is. It’s something no one seems to realise.

Should you invest £1,000 in NatWest Group right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if NatWest Group made the list?

See the 6 stocks

Einstein said, “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it. He who doesn’t, pays it”.

A simple example can show this neatly. If I had £10,000 and got 10% interest over a year, then it turns into £11,000. 

Now, let’s say I get the 10% again. My £11,000 has turned into £12,210. Two years in, and it doesn’t seem like I’m building wealth that quickly. 

Here’s the thing though. Over 30 years, the £10,000 becomes £174,494. Over 40 years, it’s £452,592. Over 50 years, it’s now £1,173,909. That’s the million-pound target right there from just £10,000 and adding nothing else. 

The trick here is that I’m getting ‘interest on the interest’. This makes the growth exponential which becomes absurdly powerful over time. 

10%+ returns

The second ‘secret’ is to understand the superb returns that investing in stocks can offer. 

The companies I invest in are on leading UK and US exchanges. The historical percentage return – including dividends and share price increases – for these indexes like the FTSE 100, FTSE 250, or S&P 500 is around 8%-10% per year. And that’s even taking into account stock market crashes like 2001, 2008, or 2020.

For example, cigarette seller British American Tobacco (LSE: BATS) has an excellent compound annual growth rate of 13.5% going back to 1995. A £10,000 stake back then would have snowballed into roughly £340,000 today. 

Receiving this kind of return from stocks will compound in much the same way compound interest does. And this is how I hope to hit the £1m figure in my Stocks and Shares ISA.

Not for the faint of heart

It’s important to point out that investing like this is not for the faint of heart. 

A big problem is the risk of choosing poor stocks. For example, the annualised return of insurance and financial services firm Aviva (LSE:AV) was an underperforming 2.6% since 1995. A £10,000 stake here would have increased to only £21,700 in 28 years.

Worse still, the internet is full of stories of people who couldn’t deal with seeing their net worth drop in 2008 and sold all their holdings. 

The market rebounded from that crash, but anyone who sold at the bottom out of fear would’ve lost out massively. 

My strategy

Personally, I think investing in businesses is easily the best option to grow my wealth, despite these risks. 

So I plan to continue to put my savings into quality companies and enjoy the returns from compound interest.

Hopefully, this strategy will grow my Stocks and Shares ISA to the million-pound mark or even higher.

Should you buy NatWest Group now?

Don’t make any big decisions yet.

Because Mark Rogers — The Motley Fool UK’s Director of Investing — has revealed 5 Shares for the Future of Energy.

And he believes they could bring spectacular returns over the next decade.

Since the war in Ukraine, nations everywhere are scrambling for energy independence, he says. Meanwhile, they’re hellbent on achieving net zero emissions. No guarantees, but history shows...

When such enormous changes hit a big industry, informed investors can potentially get rich.

So, with his new report, Mark’s aiming to put more investors in this enviable position.

Click the button below to find out how you can get your hands on the full report now, and as a thank you for your interest, we’ll send you one of the five picks — absolutely free!

Grab your FREE Energy recommendation now

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

John Fieldsend has positions in British American Tobacco P.l.c. and Tesla. The Motley Fool UK has recommended British American Tobacco P.l.c. and Tesla. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Investing Articles

Here’s why Tesla stock just rocketed 22.7%! Is it time to buy?

This writer wonders whether the news that sent Tesla stock soaring yesterday is a true gamechanger for the electric vehicle…

Read more »

Investing Articles

2 quality UK stocks to consider buying as share prices rally

With UK stocks moving higher, it might look as though investors with cash on hand have missed their chance. But…

Read more »

Investing Articles

How much £10,000 invested in Lloyds shares is forecast to be worth in 12 months

Harvey Jones is looking past today's stock market volatility to see where Lloyds shares may stand in a year's time.…

Read more »

Investing Articles

How Warren Buffett stays ahead of the stock market

When share prices fall, everyone suddenly wants to be like Warren Buffett. But what’s the secret to the Berkshire Hathaway…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Cheap UK dividend shares to consider buying right now

We're only just past the first quarter of 2025, but it already looks like the year could be another good…

Read more »

Young Asian woman with head in hands at her desk
Investing Articles

What the heck is going on with the Barclays share price now?

The Barclays share price surged 25% as the market open on 10 April. Once again, the volatility’s been driven by…

Read more »

Middle-aged white man pulling an aggrieved face while looking at a screen
Investing Articles

What the devil’s going on with the HSBC share price?

The HSBC share price has actually been less volatile than some of its peers, despite its Chinese operations suggesting it’s…

Read more »

Young Black woman looking concerned while in front of her laptop
Investing Articles

Are Tesco shares a screaming buy after sinking to 9-month lows?

Tesco shares continue to experience price weakness as signs of mounting competition grow. But is it now too cheap to…

Read more »