The goals are specific to the individual investor along with the time and resources they may have at their disposal. Additionally, it is things like research and the overall dedication that really make each strategy so different from the next, although the ultimate goal (to make money) may be the same.

Having a strategy helps investor's face three of the most common problems they immediately face:

1: Most "gurus" promote ideas/strategies that worked when the market was hot. Investors need to investigate if the "strategy" the pros discuss will actually work in the current market. Not only that, what they say may not fit in with what an investor (especially a new investor) is able to accomplish.

Factors such as time and skills need to be considered. One of the smartest things any investor can do to increase their profits is educate themselves on every necessary aspect of the process; be the expert. Henceforth, a shrewd investor will figure out how to make the most money from what they've learned, whether it be flipping, assignments, consulting, etc.

However, what works for one investor may not work for another. Before trying anything, be 100% certain that the plan will work in the current market.

2: Most investors lack a clearly defined objective. How can anyone work toward a goal if there isn't one? This is true with most things in life. People need to know what they're working toward or they wander aimlessly.

Even embarking on a road trip to a new destination requires a map; there must be a final destination as well as detailed instructions on how to get there. Without a goal, investors will only waste their time and efforts spinning their wheels.

3: Investors seem to be looking for the elusive "magic bullet" solution. The short answer is that there is no "magic bullet" or get-rich-quick answer. There is no quick-fix for any situation. Especially in an investment situation, sustained profits will only occur as the pay off for the time put in from the beginning.

Plus, a strategy that works in one market may not be appropriate for another. Necessary research is required in order to know what will work in a specific market.

Some strategies aren't as risky as others; they also will not yield as high a profit. It's important to know from the beginning what the desired end is. Riskier strategies may simply be too time-consuming and complicated to embrace early on in the game. Each investor needs to move at their own speed. No one will be able to predict it.