Everyone starts somewhere. You don't need a finance degree, a six-figure salary, or a lucky stock tip to build serious wealth with ASX shares.

With the right strategy and a bit of patience, even beginner investors can grow a portfolio worth $250,000 — and it doesn't have to take a lifetime.

Let's walk through how to do it, starting from scratch.

Compounding is your friend

This isn't about overnight riches or hitting the jackpot. It's about long-term compounding — the steady snowball effect that happens when your investments earn returns, and then those returns start earning returns.

If you invest consistently over time and earn an average annual return of 10% (not guaranteed, but historically achievable), you can turn regular contributions into a quarter of a million dollars.

For example, investing $500 a month with a 10% per annum return will grow into $250,000 in under 17 years. Even smaller contributions, like $250 a month, can get you there, but with more time and patience.

Which ASX shares should beginners buy?

It is important to focus on diversification, quality, and long-term trends.

You don't need 20 different shares. A core portfolio of 5–8 quality ASX shares and/or ASX ETFs is more than enough to get started.

Here's a simple mix of shares and ETFs a beginner could consider when building towards that $250,000 goal:

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

If you want exposure to the tech sector, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is home to titans like Apple, Microsoft, and NVIDIA. It has delivered exceptional long-term returns for investors and appears well-placed to continue this trend.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

One of Australia's most respected healthcare companies, CSL is a global leader in plasma therapies and vaccines. It has a strong track record of growth, global scale, and a deep R&D pipeline.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

A high-quality industrial property company focused on warehouses, logistics hubs, and data infrastructure — the physical backbone of the digital economy. This ASX share has been a consistent long-term performer.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

A high-growth global retailer of affordable fashion jewellery. This ASX share is expanding into new markets at pace and has an impressive retail rollout strategy with strong unit economics.

Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW)

A leading online homewares and furniture retailer in Australia. Temple & Webster is benefiting from the shift to ecommerce and is scaling well with a capital-light model.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

With this ASX ETF you can own a slice of 1,500+ of the world's best companies in one trade. It gives you instant global diversification — including exposure to the US, Europe, and developed Asia — and could be a great long-term core holding.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Finally, Xero provides a cloud accounting platform that is used by millions of small businesses around the world. It has an estimated total addressable market of 100 million small businesses.

Foolish takeaway

Reaching $250,000 as a beginner investor isn't about luck — it is about time, patience, and owning great businesses.

By regularly contributing to a mix of high-quality ASX shares and ETFs, reinvesting dividends, and resisting the urge to tinker, you give yourself every chance of hitting your goal — and maybe going far beyond it.

The earlier you start, the more time compounding has to work its magic.