We have some exciting news to share! The Motley Fool UK has now become The Twelfth Magpie -- an independent, UK-owned company, led by our long-serving UK management team — Mark Rogers, Chris Nials and Heather Adlington. In practical terms, it’s the same team you know, now fully focused on serving our UK readers and members.

Just as importantly, our approach remains unchanged: long-term, jargon-free, and on your side. This site is our new home, and there will be extra tweaks made across the coming few days as we settle in. So if anything looks a little off, please bear with us!

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.

3 simple steps to retire with a million

Here’s how you could build a seven-figure portfolio.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Twelfth Magpie’s Premium Investing Services. Become a member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn more, and get a free 'Best Buy Now' stock!.

Retiring with a million is an achievable goal for many investors. Key to realising that aim is starting to invest as early as possible to allow compounding to have a greater impact on your overall performance.

Furthermore, by investing through bear markets, it may be possible to enhance your returns due to obtaining a more favourable risk/reward ratio. And, through focusing on long-term growth trends, you may be able to further increase your retirement nest egg and boost its chances of being valued at over a million.

Should you buy Rolls Royce shares today?

Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first. Despite ongoing uncertainties from US tariffs to global conflicts, Mark Rogers and his team believe many UK shares still trade at substantial discounts, offering savvy investors plenty of potential opportunities to learn about.

That’s why this could be an ideal time to secure this valuable research – Mark’s analysts have scoured the markets to reveal 5 of his favourite long-term ‘Buys’. Please, don’t make any big decisions before seeing them.

Starting today

Starting to invest as early as possible could mean that buying shares today is a good idea. Certainly, there are risks facing the world economy, such as a trade war between the US and China, which could lead to disappointing performance in the short run. But there are always risks facing investors that could easily dissuade them from buying stocks.

As such, starting to invest today could improve your returns through allowing compounding to have a larger impact on your portfolio value. With it being cheaper than ever to buy a diverse range of stocks through an online sharedealing account, starting to invest with even a modest amount of capital is possible. This could enhance the likelihood of obtaining a seven-figure retirement portfolio.

Invest through bear markets

A bear market could take place over the next few years. After all, the world economy has experienced a period of strong growth since the financial crisis that has produced a bull market for global equities. History shows that a bear market has always followed a bull market, which could mean that many shares experience a difficult period.

This may cause some investors to focus on less risky assets, such as cash and bonds. However, the most logical step to take during a bear market could be to purchase high-quality stocks while they trade on low valuations. This may improve an investor’s risk/reward ratio, and allow them to generate higher profits through buying stocks at a discount to their intrinsic values.

Focus on long-term trends

In terms of where to invest, focusing on long-term global trends could be a sound move. For example, an ageing population may mean that companies which are focused on senior living opportunities enjoy a tailwind. They may see a rise in demand for products and services that aid retirees with everyday tasks.

Likewise, changes to the financial services and banking sector could produce opportunities for technology companies that are better able to meet evolving consumer tastes.

Clearly, it is impossible to predict exactly what the world economy will look like in upcoming decades. But by allocating your capital to areas that are likely to experience favourable operating conditions, it may be possible to enhance your overall returns. This could improve your chances of generating a seven-figure portfolio that offers a generous level of passive income in retirement.

More on Retirement Articles

Man hanging in the balance over a log at seaside in Scotland
Investing Articles

Could I REALLY retire on a Stocks and Shares ISA with passive income shares?

Looking to make an extra cash stream in later life? Royston Wild explains how passive income shares could help him…

Read more »

Senior Adult Black Female Tourist Admiring London
Investing Articles

Just 9% of us can expect a ‘comfortable’ retirement! Could UK shares be the answer?

Millions of Brits could miss out on the retirement of their dreams. Might they avoid this by investing in UK…

Read more »

happy senior couple using a laptop in their living room to look at their financial budgets
Investing Articles

Here’s why Legal & General is still one of the UK’s most popular SIPP buys

So far in 2026, UK SIPP investors have largely stuck to the same group of favourite FTSE 100 stocks. And…

Read more »

A senior man and his wife holding hands walking up a hill on a footpath looking away from the camera at the view. The fishing village of Polperro is behind them.
Investing Articles

Want to retire early? Here’s how a weak stock market could actually help

Christopher Ruane demonstrates with a real-world example how a tumbling stock market could potentially help someone who wants to retire…

Read more »

A senior man and his wife holding hands walking up a hill on a footpath looking away from the camera at the view. The fishing village of Polperro is behind them.
Investing Articles

12.2m reasons why I’m building a passive income to supplement the State Pension!

Saving for retirement might be more urgent than you think! Here's why I'm investing in ISAs and SIPPs to supplement…

Read more »

Smiling white woman holding iPhone with Airpods in ear
Investing Articles

What’s the right age to think seriously about a SIPP?

If you reckon a SIPP's something you can put off thinking about until you're older, you may be missing out…

Read more »

Young mixed-race couple sat on the beach looking out over the sea
Investing Articles

How much does someone need to put in the stock market to stop working and live off passive income?

Dividends as a passive income stream? Christopher Ruane looks at how the stock market could potentially help someone as they…

Read more »

A close up side view of a father and his young daughter who is a wheelchair user having a cute affectionate moment with each other whilst on a family day out in a beautiful public park in Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England.
Investing Articles

How much do you need in an ISA for £20 a day of passive income in retirement?

Mark Hartley simplifies the stress and complexities around building passive income in retirement, focusing rather on a basic, daily amount.

Read more »