Retiring at 55 is an ambitious goal, but the right investment portfolio can make it far more achievable. For investors pursuing early retirement, the focus should be on owning high-quality assets capable of growing wealth over the long term while also providing some income along the way.
A mix of proven ASX shares and diversified ETFs can be a powerful combination. Here are five investments I’d consider for investors aiming to build wealth and potentially retire earlier than the traditional retirement age.
Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)
Wesfarmers has been one of Australia’s great long-term wealth creators.
The company owns a collection of market-leading businesses, including Bunnings Group, Kmart, Officeworks, and a growing portfolio of healthcare and industrial assets.
Its strength lies in diversification, strong management, and an ability to allocate capital effectively. Over decades, Wesfarmers has repeatedly reinvested profits into growth opportunities while delivering attractive shareholder returns.
For investors with a long time horizon and aiming for early retirement, those qualities can be extremely valuable.
Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)
Macquarie Group is another business that has consistently rewarded patient shareholders eying retirement at 55 or earlier.
Often described as Australia’s investment bank, Macquarie has built a global platform spanning infrastructure, asset management, renewable energy, commodities, and financial services.
One of its biggest strengths is its ability to identify emerging investment opportunities and scale them globally.
As infrastructure investment and the energy transition continue to expand worldwide, Macquarie remains well-positioned to benefit from long-term structural growth trends.
Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)
This popular ASX ETF provides broad exposure to Australia’s largest listed companies.
The ETF holds leading businesses such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL).
For investors seeking simplicity, VAS offers instant diversification across the local share market while also providing exposure to Australia’s relatively strong dividend culture.
It can serve as a reliable core holding within a retirement-focused portfolio.
Betashares Global Shares ETF (ASX: BGBL)
Betashares Global Shares ETF helps retirement investors look beyond Australia’s borders.
The ETF owns hundreds of companies across developed markets, including many of the world’s largest and most successful businesses.
Its top holdings include Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL).
Global diversification can reduce reliance on the Australian economy and provide exposure to industries that are underrepresented on the ASX.
BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)
BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF adds a growth engine to the early retirement portfolio.
The ETF tracks many of the world’s leading technology and innovation businesses, including Microsoft, Apple, and NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA).
Technology has been one of the strongest long-term wealth creation themes globally. While NDQ can be more volatile than broader market ETFs, its exposure to innovation leaders offers significant long-term growth potential.
Foolish takeaway
For investors targeting early retirement, combining quality ASX shares such as Wesfarmers and Macquarie with diversified ETFs can create a portfolio capable of compounding wealth over many years.
While no investment guarantees early retirement, owning great businesses and broad market ETFs gives investors a strong foundation for pursuing that goal.
The post Chasing early retirement at 55? These ASX shares and ETFs could help appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Should you invest $1,000 in Wesfarmers right now?
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* Returns as of 16 June 2026
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More reading
- Why Wesfarmers shares still look like a top buy to me
- ASX 200 retail shares outperform on growing hopes interest rates have peaked
- Where should I invest inside SMSFs instead of property?
- How to invest $500, $5,000, and $50,000 on the ASX
- 3 top ASX shares to buy for an SMSF
Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, Macquarie Group, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, BHP Group, CSL, Macquarie Group, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.