Day after day the cost of living continues to rise, inflation seems to get out of hand and, at the same time, salaries are not up to par. Individuals have been taught by their parents, teachers or mentors that one must be educated, have a great work ethic and save for retirement and by doing so they should do well in life. Unfortunately, these individuals are seeing that times have changed and now things are not quite the same as once thought. Not only is our economy in trouble, but businesses are closing their doors causing rising unemployment, meaning the job market, combined with wage growth, makes it very difficult for people to feel confident about their future. Everyone has seen other people struggling, homes foreclosed on, entire savings accounts and/or 401Ks depleted, making many people think something needs to change. Most people these days are reluctant to invest in the economy due to the recent turmoil that has hit the market, but with the right understanding, newcomers can develop a great portfolio by understanding how to invest. Times have changed compared to what they used to be, the government no longer helps as much and employers contribute less and less to the future of their employees. That said, it takes goals, motivation and the willingness to learn something new outside your comfort zone to build your future, your retirement, your life. By having the right understanding of what it means to invest, starting with the basics and being introduced to something that has made others millionaires, anyone can build their own value and a life of comfort. So let's talk about investments! It is important to understand what investment is and what it means to invest... half of the document... h, M. (2009). 10 Investing Basics from Buffett. Retrieved July 14, 2011, from http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/learn-how-to-invest/10-investing-basics-from-Buffett.aspxHill, M. (n.d.). Ways to invest money. Retrieved July 8, 2011, from www.ultimate-wealth-made-easy.com/ways-to-invest-money.htmlInvestopedia (n.d.). Investment. Retrieved August 11, 2011, from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/investment.asp#axzz1WfkfVppBInvestopedia (nd). Action. Retrieved August 11, 2011, from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/stock.asp#axzz1WfkfVppBKennon, J. (n.d.). The story of the billionaire chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. Retrieved August 13, 2011, from http://beginnersinvest.about.com/cs/warrenbuffet/a/aawarrenbio.htmMueller, J. (n.d.). Start with actions. Retrieved August 14, 2011, from www.nasdaq.com/investing/getting-started-in-stocks.stm