The secret is out: you can't save your way to wealth. Building true wealth requires investment.

Welcome to your home base for building wealth, check back here weekly to save money and increase your net worth with Marie Claire. Throughout your journey, make these two points your North Star:

You don't need an MBA in finance to start investing. But you do need a plan, says Alexa von Tobel, founder of LearnVest, founding partner of Inspired Capital, and certified financial planner. Here are four steps to get started investing.

1. be ready to invest" If you have already built a strong emergency fund and are able to pay your monthly bills and high-interest debt (such as student loans), you are in good shape to start investing.

Kiplinger generally recommends setting aside enough cash to cover at least 6-12 months of expenses.

2. Build a foundation. An emergency fund is a short-term safety net, while a 401(k) plan or IRA is a long-term safety net. If you have your hands on these two buckets, you can afford to take risks in the stock market.

Most experts recommend starting with mutual funds. Mutual funds can diversify and reduce risk by investing in many different stocks. However, this is only one of many investment options.

3. Know your options. Depending on your current income and savings, hiring a financial advisor may be an advantageous move. Says von Tobel, "In essence, a financial planner will take a holistic view of your goals and assets and set the right amount of risk you can have across these investments so that you can protect yourself today while achieving your goals tomorrow and decades from now." [These platforms automate the investment process, making it more affordable and accessible.

4. Educate yourself. Make your own decisions. Whatever path to wealth you take today, you want to make sure you are aware of all decisions made for you. By doing so, you can take charge of your financial future once and for all. It starts with understanding the basics: the five main types of investment accounts and the four types of investments.

Remember that wealth education and wealth building does not happen overnight. Take steps to educate yourself on a daily basis at the right pace and think of investing as a long-term game toward financial literacy, financial independence, self-built wealth, property ownership, and, perhaps, an early and worry-free great retirement.

Start your Money Up journey with Marie Claire and check back here weekly for new guides, tips, and refreshers.

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