A few simple rules will help you establish and maintain a fortress to keep you financially independent.

For all the peripheral reasons one might get involved in investing, the foremost priority is almost invariably to accumulate wealth. Obviously, goals vary greatly: from a comfortable retirement through to aspirations of becoming the next Rupert Murdoch. But nearly all of us are in the game for the pleasures and peace of mind that a few extra dollars can buy. But how should one go about the process of accumulating and investing? It's no good just throwing some spare dollars at this investment or that, hoping it all comes together over time. You need to have a sound strategy to stay on course, repelling anything or anyone that might encourage you to veer onto another track.

If your aim is to build some wealth, achieve independence and have rock-solid finances, then you need to build a financial fortress - a citadel capable of withstanding attacks from competition, inflation, taxation and every other devious way that capitalism and society attempt to erase your claims on its productive assets. When a broker rings up and says 'Buy Savage Hordes Mining because it's about to go up', you'll instinctively refer to the main aim - 'How does this help me build my financial fortress?' - and act accordingly. Keeping this theme in mind and applying it consistently over decades will make your financial goals much more achievable. So let's take a look at some useful guidelines for building your fortress.

1. Never, ever go back to square one

We've all seen the advertisements, the longer you leave it to start investing, the less enjoyable will be your retirement. Losing all your dosh through bad decisions or bad luck means you must start again, and you must settle for less. And if you thought it was tough the first time around, try doing it all over again.

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