In 2014, Ronald Read, a former janitor and gas station attendant, left behind an $8 million fortune built over decades without touching cryptocurrencies, options, or leverage. His portfolio consisted of 95 stocks at the time of his death. Read’s family was shocked by his wealth, as he lived frugally, saving and investing a significant portion of his earnings. Read’s strategy of investing in blue-chip companies paid off, showcasing the power of compounding returns over time.

Read’s success highlights the potential for investors to tap into long-term growth by purchasing a low-cost index fund that includes established industry leaders. One such option is the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, which closely tracks the S&P 500’s performance and has delivered strong returns since its inception in 2010. While this investment carries risks, diversification and compounding returns can help mitigate potential losses and drive overall gains for investors.

Read more at Nasdaq: 9,900% Returns: Lessons From a Millionaire Janitor