Building wealth, particularly for retirement, is not a complex puzzle – at least not in theory. At its core, every successful wealth-building strategy relies on three fundamental pillars: saving money, achieving solid investment results, and allowing time for compounding to work its magic. However, while these principles are straightforward, investor behavior can often be the greatest threat to long-term success. No matter how well-constructed a financial plan may be, reckless spending, inadequate savings, and emotional investment decisions can sabotage even the most promising financial future. Pillar One: Saving – The Foundation of Wealth Every wealth-building journey begins with savings. Before an investor can take advantage of market growth, they must first accumulate capital. Yet, many people struggle with saving enough, often falling into the trap of spending more as their income rises or failing to prioritize long-term financial security. Common Saving Pitfalls: Lifestyle Creep – As income increases, so do expenses. Many investors find themselves in a perpetual cycle of upgrading their homes, cars, and vacations, leaving little left for retirement savings. Low Savings Rates – Some individuals save the bare minimum required for their