I define wealth as the ability to achieve financial independence where one does not have to work to support oneself.
It means having the freedom to choose - to choose what one does with one's life; to choose whether to work or not to work; to choose where to go, where one lives, what one does and what possessions one has.
It is the freedom from financial problems, freedom from debt, and freedom from monetary constraints.
We no longer have to make choices based on how much money we need.
To acquire wealth, we need to accrue investments that are roughly 10 times the annual income we need to support our lifestyle.
In this way, the dividends generated by our investments, on average 10%, will create the income we need without eroding our asset base.
These assets can be money in the bank earning interest, property producing rental income, shares paying dividends, intellectual property receiving royalties, or distributions from managed or mutual funds (unit trusts).
To build these assets we need a constructive plan that systematically ensures growth and expansion.
A good, safe and secure plan for investing should always incorporate the following:

• An investment strategy that is aligned to your risk profile
• Financial targets
• Build in appropriate timeframes
• Avoid high-risk and purely speculative investments
• Don't put all your eggs into one basket.
  
• Avoid non-liquid investments
• Stay with the traditional and known.
  
• Break your long-term goals into manageable steps or monthly targets.
  

Investing may seem daunting for a lot of people, so the best thing is to secure a good financial planner.
Avoid borrowing for your investments.
Although many financial advisors advocate "gearing your investments", this may be fraught with danger.
Gearing means to borrow.
When choosing a financial planner, spend time on finding the right for you.
Ensure that the planner produces a plan that meets your needs before they can move to the next step.
Be prepared to walk out if they do not o the following for you.
A good financial planner will:

1. Find out everything about you - especially including your risk profile, lifestyle and present financial position.
   
2. Thoroughly go through your goals and objectives.
   
3. Identify any financial barriers you may have to achieving your goals?
4. Prepare your plan.
   
5. Implement your plan so that you can achieve your goals.
   
6. Review your plan on a periodical basis.
   

So before you choose a financial planner, here are some questions that the Financial Planning Association says you shouldn't be afraid to ask.

• May I please have your qualifications and are there any limitations on the advice you are allowed to provide?
• How do you typically charge, and what are all the costs involved?
• What do I need to know about risk?
• Will you put all your advice in writing for me?
• If I have a complaint, how will that be resolved?

A good financial planner, will ultimately be your best friend and steer you towards the financial freedom you deserve in retirement.