Investing Investing Basics

15 Ways To Grow Your Net Worth to $1 Million

Join the ranks of millionaires with these actionable net worth growth strategies.

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Updated Aug. 6, 2024
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Pursuing financial independence and becoming a millionaire is a dream many share. However, achieving this milestone requires discipline, intelligent decisions, and a long-term outlook.

If you want to grow your net worth and reach the $1 million mark, it's essential to adopt effective strategies that align with your goals. 

Here are 15 proven ways to build wealth, catered to individuals aspiring to become millionaires.

Steal this billionaire wealth-building technique

The ultra-rich have also been investing in art from big names like Picasso and Bansky for centuries. And it's for a good reason: Contemporary art prices have outpaced the S&P 500 by 136% over the last 27 years.

A new company called Masterworks is now allowing everyday investors to get in on this type of previously-exclusive investment. You can buy a small slice of $1-$30 million paintings from iconic artists, all without needing any art expertise.

If you have at least $10k to invest and are ready to explore diversifying beyond stocks and bonds,see what Masterworks has on offer. (Hurry, they often sell out!)

Increase your earning potential

kucherav/By Adobe Woman in an office

Seek opportunities to boost your income, such as negotiating for higher salaries, pursuing promotions, or exploring side hustles and freelance work. 

By proactively expanding your earning potential, you can accelerate the growth of your net worth and move closer to achieving millionaire status.

Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%? Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.

Create a detailed budget

Natee Meepian/By Adobe Person creating a budget

Develop a comprehensive budget that outlines your income and expenses. Identify areas to cut unnecessary spending and allocate more toward savings and investments. 

A detailed budget empowers you to track your financial progress and make informed decisions, ultimately helping you manage your money efficiently on the path to becoming a millionaire.

Minimize and manage debt

KMPZZZ/By Adobe Woman looking at bills

Prioritize reducing high-interest debts and develop a structured debt repayment plan. Avoid accumulating unnecessary debts and focus on managing existing ones effectively. 

Minimizing debt frees up more funds for savings and investments, propelling your journey toward financial stability and security.

Get a free stock valued between $5 to $200

Secret: You don't need thousands of dollars to buy thousand-dollar stocks or create a diverse portfolio.

Robinhood offers a method of investing called “fractional shares.” On its own, one share of a single stock could cost a lot of money, making it difficult to diversify. Robinhood allows you to buy pieces of stock instead, so you have the option to build a diverse portfolio quickly.

Let’s say you want to invest $250, as an example.

With that amount, you could build a relatively diverse portfolio with an investment of $50 in a big tech stock, $50 in a retail stock, $50 in an energy stock, $50 in a manufacturing stock, and $50 in a bank.1

Even better news? Add a Robinhood Gold membership, and you’ll get access to 5.00% APY2on your uninvested cash3and the ability to buy and sell stocks 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.

Open and fund a Robinhood account and earn up to $200 in stock

Start investing early and regularly

peopleimages.com/By Adobe Man looking at investing graphs

Begin your investment journey as soon as possible to capitalize on the power of compounding returns. 

Consistent contributions to investment accounts like retirement funds and brokerage portfolios, even with modest amounts, can significantly grow your net worth over time.

The earlier you start, the longer your money has to work for you, increasing the likelihood of reaching your $1 million wealth goal.

Diversify your investment portfolio

JonoErasmus/Adobe Couple meeting with financial advisor

Spread your investments across various asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative investments. Diversification helps reduce risk and increases the potential for higher returns.

By diversifying, you ensure that your net worth continues to grow, even during market fluctuations, and moves you closer to achieving financial freedom with a well-balanced and resilient investment approach.

Maximize retirement contributions

Wesley J/peopleimages.com/Adobe Couple meeting with financial advisor

Take full advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k)s or IRAs, by contributing the maximum allowed amount. These contributions offer tax benefits and often include employer matches, allowing your money to grow faster.

By optimizing your retirement savings, you're effectively accelerating your net worth growth and creating a solid financial foundation by the time you retire.

Invest in your education and skills

VadimGuzhva/Adobe Students in class

Allocate resources to continuous learning and skill development. Expanding your knowledge and expertise can lead to higher-paying job opportunities, promotions, or success as an entrepreneur.

Investing in yourself enhances your earning potential and opens doors to new avenues for wealth generation. A commitment to personal growth will empower you to achieve your financial goals and pave the way to a million-dollar net worth.

Leverage real estate investments

chaylek/Adobe Signing a real estate contract

Consider investing in real estate, whether through purchasing rental properties or participating in real estate investment trusts (REITs). Real estate can provide a source of passive income and the potential for property appreciation over time.

By diversifying your investment portfolio with real estate assets, you can increase your chances of becoming wealthy and securing long-term financial stability through property ownership.

Start a business or side hustle

irissca/Adobe Recording a video

Embark on entrepreneurship by launching a business or engaging in a profitable side venture. A successful business can significantly impact your net worth by generating additional income streams and potential business equity.

Whether an online venture or a brick-and-mortar establishment, entrepreneurship offers opportunities to grow wealth and your overall net worth through innovation, dedication, and smart financial management.

Earn up to a $300 bonus and grow your money with up to 4.30% APY

This powerful combination checking + savings account from SoFi® allows you to earn up to a $300 bonus with direct deposit and grow your money with up to 4.30% APY.4

This is one of the top accounts we’ve seen, and offers like this can be rare. You work hard, and now it’s time to make your money work for you — with SoFi, you can grow your money with hardly any effort!

SoFi has no account or overdraft fees5 and additional FDIC insurance up to $2 million on deposits is available through a seamless network of participating banks.67 Plus, you can receive your paycheck up to 2 days early.8

How to earn up to $300: Sign up and make a direct deposit within the first 25 calendar days of the promotional period, then collect a $300 cash bonus with a direct deposit of $5,000 or more.

SoFi is a Member, FDIC. 7

Open your SoFi account and set up direct deposit

Prioritize long-term gains over short-term wins

mojo_cp/Adobe Looking at financial documents

Avoid chasing quick riches and focus on sustainable, long-term investment strategies. Growing your net worth through prudent financial decisions and disciplined investing ensures steady progress toward financial security.

Embrace a forward-thinking mindset, resist impulsive choices, and stay committed to your financial goals. 

By prioritizing lasting gains over instant gratification, you lay the foundation for lasting wealth and achieving your millionaire aspirations through consistent, well-calculated efforts.

Save windfalls and bonuses

peopleimages.com/By Adobe Good news at work

When unexpected windfalls or bonuses come your way, resist the urge to splurge. Instead, save or invest a significant portion of this money. 

These one-time cash infusions can supercharge your net worth growth. Being disciplined with windfalls ensures that you maximize the potential of these financial blessings.

Network and collaborate

Rawpixel.com/Adobe Networking event

Expand your social and professional circles by connecting with like-minded individuals, mentors, and successful entrepreneurs. Networking can lead to valuable opportunities, partnerships, and insights that accelerate your wealth-building journey.

Collaborating with others can unlock new avenues for growth and learning, ultimately increasing your chances of achieving a $1 million net worth. Building strong relationships within your industry and beyond fosters a supportive environment that nurtures financial success.

Monitor and reevaluate your financial plan

DragonImages/Adobe Consulting with a financial planner

Regularly review your financial goals and track your progress. As life circumstances change, adjust your plan accordingly to stay on course. Evaluating your investments, expenses, and income ensures you align with your $1 million net worth objective.

Being proactive with adjustments allows you to make informed decisions and optimize your financial strategy, keeping you on the path to achieving your wealth goals.

Embrace smart spending habits

Moon Safari/Adobe Discussing bills

Be mindful of your expenses and avoid unnecessary purchases. Focus on investing in assets that appreciate rather than depreciating items. By making conscious spending decisions, you free up more money to save and invest, accelerating your net worth growth.

Cultivating smart spending habits ensures your financial resources are directed toward wealth-building opportunities, bringing you closer to securing your financial future.

Give back to the community

Dragana Gordic/Adobe Working at a charity

Contributing to charitable causes not only benefits society but can also offer tax advantages. Philanthropy is a fulfilling way to use your wealth responsibly and aligns with the principles of long-term prosperity.

Balancing financial success with social responsibility can elevate your journey toward a $1 million net worth, making it a meaningful and rewarding achievement.

Bottom line

JacobLund/Adobe Happy business woman

Becoming a millionaire and growing your net worth to $1 million requires discipline, perseverance, and a commitment to making intelligent financial decisions. 

These 15 strategies offer a roadmap to achieving your financial goals and building lasting wealth so you can lower your financial stress.

Remember, growing your net worth is a journey that requires time, patience, and continuous effort. Stay focused on your objectives, stay informed about the best financial practices, and adapt your plan as needed.


Masterworks Benefits

  • Invest in art like a millionaire for a relatively low cost
  • Art investments have outperformed the S&P 500 by over 131% for 26 years
  • Purchase shares of artwork by top artists
  • Hedge against inflation and diversify your portfolio


Author Details

Adam Palasciano

Adam Palasciano is a personal finance-obsessed and money-savvy individual who loves to hash out content on all things saving money. He specializes in writing millennial-friendly personal finance content, covering topics ranging from trending financial news, debt, credit cards, cryptocurrency, and more.