The latest Global Wealth Report from UBS revealed that the United States is home to nearly 24 million millionaires. With wealth seemingly all around, it’s natural to wonder: how can someone join their ranks?
Curious about the possibilities, one user turned to ChatGPT with a bold question: how could just $10 be transformed into $1 million? ChatGPT’s answer was straightforward. It wasn’t impossible, the AI explained, but it would take time, skill, and in many cases, luck. The chatbot outlined three broad approaches: realistic long-term strategies, moderate-risk but high-effort methods, and high-risk, low-probability bets.
For those seeking the most realistic path, ChatGPT emphasized investing. It suggested that if someone invested $100 a month into an S&P 500 index fund averaging around 10% annual returns, compounding could turn that investment into $1 million in roughly 35 to 40 years.
Financial experts agree that investing is one of the most reliable ways to build wealth, though market volatility and patience are inevitable challenges. Firms like Fidelity recommend that investors first define their goals, often retirement, and then work with a financial advisor to find the right account and strategy.
The chatbot also suggested starting a low-cost business by purchasing a domain name with the initial $10 and building an online blog or digital product. While appealing in theory, ChatGPT acknowledged that success in the online business world requires expertise, dedication, and the ability to stand out in a competitive market.
For those willing to put in more work, ChatGPT recommended flipping, arbitrage, or skill-based ventures. Arbitrage involves buying products cheaply in one marketplace and reselling them for profit on platforms like eBay or Craigslist.
Another idea was to spend the $10 on learning a new skill and then monetizing it. This advice aligns with findings from the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, which predicts that 39% of workers will see their skills become outdated or transformed in the coming years. While not a quick route to wealth, building new skills could improve job prospects and income potential over time.
Finally, ChatGPT outlined the riskiest paths i.e. buying cryptocurrency, gambling, penny stock speculation, or even lottery tickets. These methods, it cautioned, are more likely to lose the $10 than to generate meaningful returns.
ChatGPT’s advice made clear that turning $10 into $1 million is not a fantasy. For those hoping to join the millions of Americans already in the millionaire club, the chatbot’s guidance suggests a familiar truth: slow and steady still wins the race.
