Long question: How to accumulate money in 15 years?

I am 25 years old, and about to graduate from college. I am currently pursuing two degrees: Biology and Accounting. My ultimate dream is to go on to graduate school and conduct research leading to a vaccine or cure for AIDS. But the fact is that research scientists are poorly paid. I want to do good in the world, but that goal will be derailed if I am unable to make a decent living. Such a living would be made possible by a yearly income of $80,000- $100,000 per year (and if it is too much for me to live on, I will give the rest away).

Now, at the lowest interest rate I will accept (5%), I will need $1,600,000 - $2,000,000 to be guaranteed such a yearly income. What is more, I would prefer to have accumulated this amount by age 40 (age 40, like the $80,000-100,000 figure, is arbitrary, but I want to be young enough to enjoy life and hopefully travel). The thing is, I don't know where to start. (continued in edit)

I'm ready to do some extreme saving if it's necessary. Using time value of money, I found that if I wanted to accumulate this amount at the S&P 500's average return rate (11.5%), I would need to save approximately $56,000 per year. If I had that kind of money, I would be saving it. This is why I'm asking this question. How does a college student LEGALLY accumulate $2 million in 15 years? I need help, real help, not answers touting wacky systems that make more for their sellers than they do for their users. And if it sounds like I've got my head in the clouds, please remember that it's not the money that's important; what matters is what the money represents, and that is being able to be financially free at 40 so I can do what I really desire: study the AIDS virus and perhaps cure AIDS. If you have any ideas on how to do this for less, by all means tell me. All I ask is that you justify your answer. Thanks, everyone.

Buy stocks in a start-up company that has a huge potential to grow in a span of ten years.

Study the growth of companies like Microsoft, Google - learn how from their humble beginnings they became multi million dollars business empires.

Your equity investment will grow substantially as the years go by.


Happy Holidays !

No one can guarantee you a particular rate of return, not even over a period of 15 years. My best advice to you at this stage is to open an IRA (or, if available, a 401(k) at work) and contribute as much as you can to it, with all dividends and gains reinvested. Your savings will grow tax-free until you withdraw them. In order to maximize your return, invest aggressively; with return comes risk, but risk can be managed over long periods. Pick a couple of aggressive, diversified stock funds (mutuals or ETFs) for your IRA portfolio. Don't bother with a conservative allocation strategy involving bonds or cash. These are too conservative for long time periods.

15 Years may seem like a long time at the age of 25, but it is really just a drop in the lifespan bucket. Also, do not feel that you will be unable to help in the fight against AIDS without first being financially independent. 80-100K/yr will help you on your way, but...be realistic in your desires. I am 40 now and it took me those 15 years to get to that very income lvl. If you want to make the big $ fast, you need to pay attention to the advice of the person who told you about researching a Microsoft/IBM-ish start up company and investing in them. But...you also need to pay attention to reality a bit here and invest in your career as well. The smartest thing you can do is to do your 'Due Diligence' and invest for the long term while paying attention to the financial needs of the moment. Sorry for the dose of reality, but...the only things you have Identified in your question are your success criteria...not how you will hedge your bets if you fail to hit the lottery on the first investment.

Good luck!

Honestly speaking, i would not advise you to put your money in Bank. I rather you invest in business where you can get back your principle and interest montly.

Example: Principle amount 150000
Interest rate 3% PA
150000 x 3% = 4500 PA
If you invest for 5 years ---- 4500 x 5 years = 22500
Total amount --- 150000 + 22500 = 172500
Monthly return -- Principle + interest for 5 years
2500 + 375 = 2875

Invest with me, you will get monthly return till the end of your investment. Furthermore, there are no risk involved when investing with me. But with the bank, you can only get back your principle and interest by the end of your investment.

If you are interested the above, please do not hesitate to contact me, i am in Singapore. Email me. jeffangel@singnet.com.sg

Thank you.
Jeffrey