Becoming a millionaire in just a decade may seem like an unattainable dream, but with the right investments, strategic planning, and patience, it's possible. The key is choosing low-effort investments that maximize returns while minimizing time and energy commitments. Below are 14 investment opportunities that can set you on the path to seven figures in 10 years or less.
1. Index Funds and ETFs
Index funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) are some of the best low-effort investments available. These funds track market indexes like the S&P 500, providing instant diversification and long-term growth. Historically, the S&P 500 has returned about 8-10% annually. Investing consistently and reinvesting dividends can help you compound your wealth significantly over a decade.
How to Start:
Open a brokerage account with Vanguard, Fidelity, or Charles Schwab.
Invest in a broad-market index fund like VOO or SPY.
Set up automatic contributions and let compound growth work its magic.
2. Real Estate Crowdfunding
Real estate has long been a wealth-building strategy, but direct ownership can be time-consuming. Real estate crowdfunding platforms like Fundrise, CrowdStreet, and RealtyMogul allow investors to pool funds into properties without active management.
Why It Works:
Provides passive rental income and property appreciation.
Requires low initial investment (as little as $500 on some platforms).
Offers exposure to real estate without the headaches of direct ownership.
3. Dividend Stocks
Dividend-paying stocks provide both capital appreciation and regular income. Companies with a strong track record of dividend growth, like Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, and Procter & Gamble, are ideal for long-term investors.
Benefits:
Reinvesting dividends accelerates compound growth.
Provides steady passive income.
Historically, dividend stocks have outperformed the broader market over time.
4. Automated Robo-Advisors
Robo-advisors like Betterment, Wealthfront, and M1 Finance manage investments with minimal human intervention. They allocate funds based on your risk tolerance and investment goals.
Why They’re Low-Effort:
Automated rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting.
Hands-off investing with professional strategies.
Typically lower fees than traditional financial advisors.
5. High-Yield Savings Accounts and CDs
While not as high-returning as stocks, high-yield savings accounts and Certificates of Deposit (CDs) provide stable returns with zero effort.
How They Help:
Ideal for emergency funds or short-term savings.
Insured by the FDIC, making them risk-free.
Some accounts offer APYs of 4% or more.
6. Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin & Ethereum)
While crypto is volatile, blue-chip digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum have shown massive returns over the past decade. A small, diversified investment in crypto can yield impressive long-term gains.
Strategy:
Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) into Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Store assets in a secure wallet.
Only invest money you can afford to hold long-term.
7. Peer-to-Peer Lending
Platforms like Prosper and LendingClub allow investors to earn interest by funding personal loans. This type of investment offers higher returns than traditional fixed-income assets.
Advantages:
Can generate annual returns of 5-10%.
Allows diversification across multiple loans to mitigate risk.
Hands-off once you set up auto-investing.
8. Fractional Real Estate Ownership
Companies like Arrived Homes and Roofstock allow investors to buy shares of rental properties, earning passive income without the burdens of property management.
Benefits:
Steady rental income.
Exposure to real estate without large capital requirements.
Properties are professionally managed.
9. Investing in REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts)
REITs are publicly traded companies that own and operate income-generating real estate. They pay out at least 90% of taxable income as dividends.
Why They Work:
Passive income stream through dividends.
Easily accessible via brokerage accounts.
Historically strong long-term returns.
10. Automated Business Investments (Dropshipping, Print-on-Demand, Affiliate Marketing)
Online businesses such as dropshipping, print-on-demand, and affiliate marketing can generate semi-passive income with minimal ongoing effort after setup.
How to Succeed:
Use platforms like Shopify, Teespring, or Amazon Associates.
Automate as much as possible (order fulfillment, email marketing, etc.).
Outsource tasks to freelancers or virtual assistants.
11. Domain Flipping and Website Investing
Buying undervalued domains and websites can lead to significant appreciation. Platforms like Flippa and Empire Flippers help investors buy and sell online assets for profit.
Key Benefits:
Passive cash flow through ads and affiliate marketing.
High potential resale value if nurtured properly.
Low entry costs with high upside.
12. Investing in Bonds (Municipal, Corporate, or Treasury Bonds)
Bonds provide predictable income and are an excellent way to balance a portfolio with lower-risk investments.
Why Bonds Work:
Municipal bonds offer tax-free income.
Corporate bonds provide higher yields than government bonds.
Treasury bonds are risk-free and ideal for capital preservation.
13. Investing in Private Equity or Startups
Private equity and startup investments can yield exponential returns. Platforms like AngelList and Republic allow everyday investors to back promising early-stage companies.
Risk vs. Reward:
High risk but also high reward.
Some startups grow exponentially within 5-10 years.
Best for investors willing to lock up capital long-term.
14. Investing in Yourself (Skills & Education)
While not a traditional investment, acquiring high-income skills or starting a side hustle can generate long-term wealth.
Examples:
Learning coding, digital marketing, or real estate investing.
Earning certifications in in-demand fields.
Starting a consulting or freelancing business.
Final Thoughts
Building a million-dollar portfolio in 10 years doesn’t require luck—it requires strategic, consistent investing in high-growth assets. The key to success is starting early, staying consistent, and reinvesting earnings. Choose a mix of these low-effort investments based on your risk tolerance and watch your wealth grow over time.