Setting a goal starts with understanding why you are interested in investing. The most obvious answer would be: “To make money!” But knowing or at least having a sense of what your goals are (or what financial outcome you want to achieve) is important to help determine which investments are right for you. In other words, where would you like to be financially, and how much do you have to invest to get there? Your goals should be as specific as possible, so that you have the best idea of what you will need to do to achieve them. A smart investor does not rely on charm or good luck. Instead, they take time to consider their investment goals.