No matter what stage of life you're in, it's never too late to begin investing. While no two investment portfolios are the same, they all start with investors becoming disciplined about holding onto their earned money.

Once you become an investor, you use the money to acquire things that offer the potential for the highest profitable returns. You might decide to use the funds to pay off debt, save for retirement, or make upgrades to your residence.

The key to being a successful investor is to first think of your money as a tool and not actual money. That way you eliminate any personal attachment you have to the money you earn and make decisions devoid of emotion.

Start small if needed. Ideally, you should put 15% of your paycheck aside toward your future, but you can start smaller. It's more important to get started. Put some of that money into a high-yield savings account in case of unexpected expenses such as a job loss or car repair.

Once you have that secure foundation, begin investing. Purchasing bonds or stocks allows your money a chance to grow over time so you can break the cycle of living paycheck-to-paycheck. You want to build wealth to afford future goals.

One of the best ways to invest is by automating it. You can set up monthly or weekly contributions to an investment account, basically letting your money work for you.

Keep in mind that it will take time to accumulate wealth. You're not going to get rich overnight, which can be frustrating, especially if you're used to having money immediately after receiving your paycheck.

If you have further questions about how to build your wealth, don't be afraid to reach out to a financial planner or advisor directly. They can help you make smart financial decisions so you can make your paycheck work further for you.

Sources: Moneyunder30.com, Lifehack.org, Grow.acorns.com