---
title: How to Become a 401(k) Millionaire
description: Fidelity Investments' Jeanne Thompson offers three simple steps.
authors:
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published: '2015-07-09T13:27:46.000Z'
modified: '2024-04-16T06:10:04.000Z'
section: Retirement
tags:
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  - jeanne thompson
  - million
  - Retirement
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word_count: 121
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source: structured-blocks
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> **Disclosure:** We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/).

![401k millionaire thumb](https://img.money.com/2015/07/401k-millionaire-thumb.jpg)

For millennials, retirement is something that feels like it's forever away, which is a good thing when it comes to preparing for it. Jeanne Thompson, Fidelity Investments' vice president of thought leadership, lays out three simple steps for hitting the ultimate 401(k) milestone: a million dollars.

**1) Save a lot.** Seriously, save as much as you can. One of the BrightScope co-founders phrases it simply as "[Save until it hurts.](http://money.us/1CWg9Yr)"

**2) Start now.** When you start saving while you're young—Thompson says 25 at the latest—you give your money as much time as possible to mature alongside you.

**3) Invest for growth.** Keep your eye on stocks, and don't shy away from aggressive investments.

*Read next: [The Painful Secret to Retirement Success](https://money.com/secret-retirement-success-tip/)*

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