Investing is a lot like losing weight. Very rarely do you get quick weight loss results by going to the gym just one or two times. Most professionals will tell you, the key to successfully losing weight is setting up a multi-year plan were you change your eating habits and set up a scheduled workout plan. Over time the extra pounds melt off and you will be healthier overall. Building wealth is exactly the same thing. Setting up a plan where you track and ultimately lower your monthly expenses (eating healthy) and invest on a consistent basis with occasional increases (working out) is a recipe for financial success. Once you have reached your target weight (retirement), you go into maintenance mode. Your goals shift from growing wealth (losing weight) to maintaining wealth (maintaining your figure).