There are plenty of ways to get ahead. The first is so basic I'm almost embarrassed to say it: spend less than you earn.

A successful business is a good way to create significant wealth, but not every business will grow into a News Corporation or a McDonalds.

Learn as much as you can about your proposed business. Ask questions. Join industry associations. Study successful competitors carefully.

Don't invest in anything that you don't understand. Do your research first.

Invest in yourself. Your career is the engine of your wealth.

When investing, I'm not against risk. If you take no risk you must expect a low return. Just don't let anyone fool you into thinking you can get a high return with low risk.

Before you start trying to work out which direction the property market is headed, you should be aware that there are markets within markets.